Elon Musk, the maverick entrepreneur known for his ventures into electric vehicles, space exploration, and social media, has once again captured global attention. As of November 2024, Musk’s net worth has soared to an estimated $308 billion, reaffirming his position as the world’s wealthiest individual. But now this financial zenith coincides with his unexpected, or not so unexpected, foray into the political arena.
Elon Musk’s recent appointment to a pivotal and new US government role has once again propelled the billionaire businessman into the spotlight, adding to his already staggering portfolio of responsibilities. In an interview with Arabian Business, Errol Musk, Elon’s father, offered very candid insights into his son’s new position, the family’s reaction, and his own views on global politics. From discussing Donald Trump’s re-election to exploring Elon’s potential as a diplomatic force, Errol provided a rare glimpse into the mind of the man behind some of the world’s most transformative innovations.
From his home of Cape Town, South Africa, Errol a casually dishevelled looking 78-year-old, logs on to a zoom call, proudly to talk about his son, Elon Musk; the name on everyone’s lips. He sheds a light on Elon’s personal and professional challenges as he navigates his roles at Tesla and Space X, all whilst – now – tackling global issues like US – Iran relations. For some time, Elon Musk has been responsible for shaping our future, that responsibility is greater now than ever before, his father believes.
The turning point in Trump’s re-election
It was on Thursday 7 November; Errol Musk last spoke to his son – just two days after Donald Trump’s victory in the race for the White House. “We did it, well you did it,” he recalls telling him. He added, “I told him, ‘I think you were the turning point.’ He’s quite modest, he just said ‘maybe’.”
A staunch supporter of Trump since his initial presidential bid in 2015, Errol Musk expressed his relief and optimism at Donald Trump’s re-election, emphasising its significance for global stability. “Thank heavens he won the election,” he said. “The general sentiment among everyone I know is that the world will be a safer place now.”
Errol recounted the early ridicule he faced for his views, even within his family. “I told Elon that Trump is just like us—practical, results-driven, and the right way to go. He thought I was crazy at the time, but now all my children see it differently.”
He describes Trump as a leader who cuts through bureaucracy to focus on results, a trait he sees mirrored in his son. Errol believes Trump’s re-election offers a chance to rectify inefficiencies that have long plagued governance. “For years, we’ve watched bureaucrats lord over capable people with nothing to show for it,” he said. “Now, there’s hope for meaningful change.”
Musk’s New Job: Revolutionising Washington
But it’s Elon Musk’s appointment to co-lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a name picked by himself, that has sparked global debate.
Alongside fellow appointee Vivek Ramaswamy, Musk’s role is focused on eliminating waste and streamlining federal operations. This appointment comes as part of President Trump’s broader strategy to bring innovative minds into government to solve long-standing inefficiencies.
After throwing his name, money, and platform behind Mr Trump, Mr Musk has plenty to gain from Trump’s re-election.
For Errol Musk, the move is less about prestige and more about service. “Working in government is not a step up—it’s a step down,” he remarked. “But it’s a boon for the government to have someone like Elon.”
He added his son “would sort things out,” but despite it being a “fantastic” opportunity he sees the role as a demotion, that could take a toll on him.
Elon’s ability to juggle multiple high-stakes ventures is well-documented, but his new role adds another layer of complexity. Despite his extensive commitments at Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, Musk is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of US governance. “Elon’s life is compartmentalised into five-minute segments,” Errol explained. “If anyone can juggle this, it’s him.”
In a statement on social media, the US president-elect said Musk – along with former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy – would “dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies.”
During a Trump rally in October, billionaire Musk said the US government’s budget could be cut by “at least” $2 trillion, something his father believes he will achieve.
“He’ll cut much more than that, he will reverse the trend. The debt, whoever the money is owed to, he will bring it down to a proper level,” Errol Musk claimed.
He added, “Thank heavens Elon has Vivek because he’s a very capable guy. At least there’s two of them, and Elon isn’t having to suddenly shoulder this burden because it’s going to be quite a job. That’s a big relief to me.”
The diplomat in disguise: Musk on the global political stage
Musk’s rising profile in global affairs has prompted speculation about his potential as a diplomatic force. Errol believes Elon’s practical mindset makes him uniquely suited for this role. “Elon knows how to find the core of a problem and bring people together,” he said. “He’s not driven by hidden agendas but by the need to get things done.”
The new government role is part of a rapidly evolving chapter in his life. Beyond his work in the US, Musk’s influence extends globally. Recent reports indicate he held a secret hour-long meeting with Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, discussing potential ways to ease tensions between the US and Iran. This meeting underscores Musk’s growing involvement in international diplomacy, a far cry from his earlier focus on purely technological ventures.
Citing Elon’s neutral and solution-oriented approach, Errol suggested his son could play a pivotal role in fostering understanding in complex conflicts like the situation in the Middle East and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. “There are always two sides to every argument,” he said. “Elon has the ability to highlight the merits of each side and get opposing parties to see eye to eye.”
“Elon has a lot of responsibility—more than anyone on earth at this time,” he told Arabian Business. “He’s the best possible person; I can’t think of anyone better. He’s a very practical person and knows how to compromise, which is why he’s been so successful.”
Father and son: A fraught but unbroken bond
You may ask, is Elon Musk’s father, the man who he described as ‘evil’ the right person to pass comment on his own son’s achievements and future plans. While their relationship may have been fraught, but it’s not as bad as it seems claims Errol. Reflecting on his relationship with Elon and addressing rumours of past discord, he said: “Our relationship has never been bad,” attributing perceived tensions to the inevitable misunderstandings that arise within families. “If you don’t have disagreements in a family, you’re not really a family.”
Despite Elon’s fame and fortune, Errol described his son’s modest lifestyle, including his living conditions at SpaceX’s Boca Chica site. “He’s in a small prefab with tiny bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a barbecue area,” he shared. “Elon spends a lot of time alone, which, as a father, is hard to see.”
When asked about his love for Elon, Errol’s response was heartfelt. “I’d give my life for my son,” he said. “There’s no limit to what I’d do for him—or any of my children.”
“If Elon was in prison, I’d break him out. I’d do whatever it takes. There’s no limit.” Errol Musk told Arabian Business.
Elon’s Everest: Balancing power, progress, and pressure
Errol also hinted at the potential for Elon to expand his ventures in the Middle East, particularly in Dubai. Praising the UAE’s stability and forward-thinking governance, he highlighted its appeal as a hub for innovation. “Dubai is a no-nonsense place that provides the stability innovators like Elon seek,” he said.
Specifically, Errol suggested that Elon might explore opportunities in data centres or even establish a Tesla gigafactory in the region. “Dubai’s focus on becoming a data hub aligns perfectly with Elon’s vision for the future,” he told Arabian Business.
As Elon Musk takes on yet another monumental role, his father remains both proud and concerned. “He’s already one of the most important people in the world, but now he has even more responsibility—and enemies,” Errol observed. “The ‘can’t-do’ people will try to bring him down, but they won’t succeed.”
Critics say Elon Musk’s appointment in Trump’s administration could benefit the businessman as his companies receive money through valuable contracts with the US government.
For Errol however, his son’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, intellect, and a relentless drive to make the world a better place. “Elon has always had good ideas, and the world desperately needs more people like him,” he said.
It’s clear that Washington is getting ready to run a wild experiment, testing what happens when one of Silicon Valley’s signature disruptors meets the world’s biggest bureaucracy. For many, including Elon’s father, it will be box-office viewing. Can his son, who has the ability to transcend industries and borders making him a leading figure in technological progress – also deliver hope for a more united and efficient world? Or for Elon is it just another peak to conquer?
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