There’s another reason why Trump courts Musk so aggressively. The SpaceX founder brings not just innovation but a cachet of cool, an aura that Trump has rarely found elsewhere.  Musk is a modern-day icon,  whose brand resonates with young, male voters—a demographic Trump needs to reassert his political dominance. Their collaboration already paid dividends in the form of viral media moments, social media influence, and increased credibility among non-traditional voters. Trump often at ease  with YouTube stars and podcasters, can now tap into a new, youthful subculture, all thanks to Musk’s clout.

Yet, the relationship is fraught with risks. Musk, with his vast wealth and growing political power, doesn’t play second fiddle easily. While Trump has spent his life dominating every room he enters, Musk is an equally powerful figure—one who may eventually chafe under Trump’s need to be the undisputed star of any show. The possibility of a fallout between these two larger-than-life personalities is real, especially considering their mutual egos and need for control.

The risks of this relationship are particularly clear when it comes to Musk’s regulatory ambitions. With billions of dollars in government contracts and ongoing investigations into his companies, Musk has a vested interest in loosening government oversight. As head of the new Department of Government Efficiency, Musk could eliminate regulations that hinder his business, but such actions could come with consequences—especially as they might lead to mass layoffs, loss of productivity, and the collapse of key government programs. Such sweeping changes could have profound implications not just for Musk, but for Trump’s political standing as well.

At the same time, Musk’s loyalty to Trump—having donated millions to his campaign and even participated in post-election calls with world leaders—has cemented his role as a trusted advisor. Whether it’s talking tech policy or handling delicate foreign relations like the war in Ukraine, Musk’s expertise and influence are undeniably valuable. Trump, for all his bluster and bravado, knows he needs such a powerful ally to succeed in his second term.

But as history has shown, even the most powerful partnerships have a shelf life—especially when the egos at play are as outsized as theirs.