Elon Musk, the richest man globally, has secured significant business deals while accompanying President Trump on his recent diplomatic mission to the Gulf, highlighting unprecedented intertwining of politics and corporate interests.
Elon Musk Capitalizes on Trump's Gulf Tour: A Dual-Track Deal-Making Surge

Elon Musk Capitalizes on Trump's Gulf Tour: A Dual-Track Deal-Making Surge
Musk's profitable agreements during the presidential visit raise eyebrows about governance and influence.
During President Trump's visit to the Persian Gulf, significant deal-making transpired that intertwined American foreign policy with business ventures, particularly for Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Accompanying Trump on his tour, Musk leveraged the opportunity to announce that his company SpaceX had received approval to offer its Starlink satellite internet services in Saudi Arabia.
Following Trump's stateside activities, where the financial district of Abu Dhabi was illuminated in a display reminiscent of America, Musk's other enterprise, Neuralink, disclosed a partnership with the local health ministry to conduct clinical trials on its implantable brain chips. Although specific terms of both agreements were kept under wraps, it was later reported that SpaceX is in discussions to provide internet connectivity to Emirates Airlines, which is state-owned.
In this unprecedented political landscape, Musk has emerged as a key player, effectively utilizing his influence within an administration that challenges conventional governance standards. He has attended cabinet meetings and holds the authority to influence federal spending while his companies stand to benefit from government contracts and foreign ventures. As Musk and his family's financial interests entwine further with those of the Persian Gulf's often autocratic regimes, the situation hints at a more profound relationship where powerful elites seek to forge tighter connections within international business and politics.