However, Musk quickly fell to the ground. After breaking with Donald Trump, the richest man in the world discovered that he is not even a master of Washington, not to mention the universe.
The fall of Musk is part of a global trend. The decades of globalization have created extremely rich oligarchs around the world. However, when the money and political force clashes, you can only focus on one card. Politics always wins.
In such different countries as Russia, China, Saudi Arabia – and now also the United States – oligarchs who have developed independent political ambitions, it was brutally reminded where the true authorities are lying.
The triumph of politics over money may be a surprise for both Marxists and too confident capitalists who believe that politicians will always dance as they will play superbogii.
However, as Mao noted, the power comes out of the rifle barrel. Control over state authorities – an army, prosecutor's office, tax authorities – is still more important than billions in the bank.
Of course, politicians need money, especially at the beginning of their career. The elections are expensive, as is the clientelist policy of the authoritarian state. Musk's financial support helped Trump win the presidential election in 2024.
Vladimir Putin's power in Russia was facilitated by some of the richest people in the country who hoped that he would be a guardian of huge fortunes, which they gathered in the 90s. However, when Putin strengthened in the Kremlin, he showed oligarchs who rules here. When Mikhail Chodorkowskithen the richest man in Russia began to become an independent political force, Putin ordered him to arrest him. Chodorkowski spent 10 years in prison. Borys Bieriezowskiwhich also gathered a huge fortune in times [Borysa] Yeltsin, he was forced to leave for emigration and died in mysterious circumstances.
Michal Kamaryt / PAP
The opponent of the Kremlin Mikhail Chodorkowski during the 19th conference on the safety of Globsec in Prague, the Czech Republic, September 1, 2024.
Jack hasthen the richest man in China, came out of it relatively gently. President XI Jinping apparently perceived a high position and sometimes his controversial views as a challenge. After he was given a speech criticizing the Polish Financial Supervision Authority in 2020, the public offer of his Ant Group was suspended and has practically disappeared from public life. China's communist party showed the most eminent capital in a country who rules in this country.
Frederic Legrand – Comeo / Shutterstock
Chinese businessman and CEO of the Alibaba group, Jack, at the congress of leaders and technological startups, Paris, France, May 16, 2016.
He avoided prison and began to appear in public again. But Jimmy Laithe Hong Kong Magnat Magnat, which supported the pro -democratic movement in this region, is currently serving a long prison sentence.
In Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, a man very much admired by Trump, also showed that he can subordinate himself to the richest people in his kingdom. In 2017, he closed dozens of rich businessmen at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh-allegedly as part of the fight against corruption. Among them was the prince Waleed bin Talalthe most famous investor of the kingdom. This incident was a signal of absolute power that has never been forgotten.
The best way for the billionaire to protect himself from the whims of the country's leader is a leader. Silvio Berlusconi, the controversial tycoon, who founded his own political party and was the prime minister of Italy for three terms for three terms. A similar path was chosen by Bidzina Iwaniszwili, a billionaire who became the prime minister of Georgia. Trump himself used his wealth to finance the entrance to politics.
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However, few oligarchs make such a transformation. And those who act in the margins must act carefully. To maintain wealth and freedom, they must understand boundaries. In India, extremely wealthy Ambani family He maintains close relations with the prime minister of the country Narendra Modim. However, she never tried to undermine his leadership.
Carlos Slimthe richest man of Mexico, remains close to subsequent presidents of this country, rarely expressing his political opinions. Slima's balanced neutrality allowed him to maintain influence regardless of the ruling administration. He even collaborated with the leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Zbrador in the implementation of large infrastructure projects.
Many Americans would mind that the relations between money and power in their country can be compared to the situation in China, Russia, Saudi Arabia or Mexico.
Finally, the United States is a country with a long tradition of democracy and well -established property rights. The idea that the president could use the right to revenge on the richest man in the country still sounds a bit shocking. However, this president has already said that Musk may lose federal contracts, and warned him of “very serious consequences” if it was to the Democrats.
Some of Trump's most die -hard supporters want to go much further. Steve Bannon suggested the nationalization of SpaceX Muska, which plays a key role in federal space programs. He also called on Trump to examine the immigration status of Musk for deportation.
Expropriation? Exile? It all sounds very non -American. But this is Trump America. Never speak.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
