This is almost the opposite of what’s true. I wouldn’t call Trump in touch, but he was far more aware of how stupid cutting social security was politically than his contemporaries. It’s only now that he isn’t as reliant on popular sentiment that he’s willing to cut popular programs.

Musk has always been far less savvy about politics, and never seemed to understand such restraint. Him becoming shadow president is pure fantasy. At best, he’ll become a feudal lord in an independent Texas Republic or some shit; I’m more expecting him to fade into obscurity.