The growing influence that one of Donald Trump's most ardent backers has over the president-elect should be the object of serious concern to his friends and allies, suggested noted Yale historian Tim Snyder.
In an interview with the Guardian's Martin Pengelly published on New Year's Day, Snyder pointed out that Elon Musk's massive wealth dwarfs Trump's and he will not only be able to do the president-elect's dirty work, he'll be able to use his money to exert even more unheard influence over Trump.
According to Snyder, “Trump is a little guy, and Musk is a big guy when it actually comes to having money.”
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With the report noting Musk has already sunk millions into getting Trump re-elected, Snyder claimed the president-elect not only already owes Musk, but will continue to be held captive by the billionaire's wealth.
“I think we overestimate Trump and we underestimate Musk,” the historian explained. “People can’t help but think that Trump has money, but he doesn’t. He’s never really had money. He’s never even really claimed to have money. His whole notion is that you have to believe that he has money. But he’s never been able to pay his own debts. He’s never been able to finance his own campaigns."
"Unless Trump breaks it off right now, he’s going to be in this kind of dependent relationship for the rest of the way, because you get used to people giving you money … and I think if you were a friend of Trump, you would be worried," he added.
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