Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has quietly taken on a pivotal role in Donald Trump’s administration as a senior advisor and head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency since 2025. The move comes amid escalating controversies surrounding Musk’s leadership at X (formerly Twitter), a spiraling custody dispute with ex-partner Grimes, and fresh claims about his intellectual capabilities.
From Tech Titan to Political Power Player
Musk’s federal appointment aligns with Trump’s push to overhaul bureaucratic processes, with all federal employees recently notified of “efficiency reforms” via email. Critics argue Musk’s dual role as a government advisor and CEO of major contractors like SpaceX creates conflicts of interest, particularly after NASA awarded his company an $843 million contract to deorbit the International Space Station.
Grimes’ Public Plea Over Child Medical Crisis
The tech mogul faces personal turmoil as Grimes publicly accused him of ignoring urgent messages about their 2-year-old son Techno Mechanicus’ health. In since-deleted tweets on February 20, 2025, she wrote: “Our child will suffer lifelong impairment if he doesn’t respond ASAP”. This marks the latest chapter in their contentious co-parenting relationship following their 2022 split.
IQ Debate Goes Viral
Biographer Seth Abramson sparked controversy this week by claiming Musk’s IQ “can’t exceed 110” based on research for his upcoming book. While praising SpaceX as Musk’s “only true success,” Abramson called him an “atrocious” manager who relies on worker exploitation and legal maneuvering. X users fiercely debated the claims, with supporters noting Musk’s $397 billion net worth as proof of capability.
X Platform Faces New Scrutiny
Under Musk’s ownership since 2022, X continues battling misinformation and hate speech while testing new monetization models. Recent platform changes include:
- Expanded “shadow banning” of critics’ accounts
- Controversial partnerships with far-right commentators
- Ongoing layoffs reducing content moderation teams
As Musk navigates political power struggles and personal drama, industry analysts question whether his sprawling empire can maintain its momentum. With SpaceX preparing its next Starship launch and Tesla facing increased EV competition, 2025 proves pivotal for the controversial billionaire.
