“The citizens of America have given @realDonaldTrump a decisive mandate for transformation tonight,” Musk tweeted following Fox’s announcement of Trump’s victory.

Earlier that evening, Musk shared a candid photo featuring himself, Trump, and UFC president Dana White, which appears to have been captured at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s luxurious residence and exclusive club located in Florida. This image reflects the close ties between Musk and Trump, showcasing their camaraderie and mutual support as they navigate the complexities of American politics.

🇺🇸🇺🇸The future is gonna be so 🔥 🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/x56cqb6oT5

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 6, 2024

In a surprising turn of events, Trump has proposed appointing Musk as the head of a new Department of Government Efficiency, cleverly abbreviated as DOGE, which also references the cryptocurrency that Musk has heavily invested in. While the name may seem humorous, the implications of this new department could lead to significant reductions in government spending. These actions, combined with plans to deport millions, raise serious concerns about the potential economic fallout and societal impact that could ensue from these drastic measures.

Musk’s wealth, largely built through substantial government contracts and subsidies for companies like Tesla and SpaceX, positions him uniquely to leverage his new influence in the White House. With Trump’s support, Musk could channel even more public funds to his ventures and allies, mimicking the behaviors often seen in oligarchic systems where wealth and power intertwine to benefit a select few.

Trump delivered his speech in Palm Beach, Florida, at approximately 2:25 a.m. ET, coinciding with the Associated Press calling Pennsylvania in favor of the former president. MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow recognized that securing Pennsylvania granted Trump a nearly insurmountable lead, yet the network hesitated to declare him the overall winner immediately. It wasn’t until around 5:40 a.m. ET that the AP made the definitive call, prompting other major news outlets to confirm Trump’s victory.

During his celebratory address, Trump praised Musk as a “super genius” and expressed gratitude for his contributions. Reports indicate that Musk has significantly backed Trump’s political action committee, America PAC, with donations exceeding $120 million. This committee has faced scrutiny for questionable practices, including daily donations of $1 million to registered voters in swing states who signed a petition. Musk recently emerged victorious in a legal battle when a Philadelphia District Attorney attempted to halt these controversial giveaways but ultimately failed.

The 45th president, who is anticipated to reclaim the office as the 47th, has also expressed intentions to involve Robert F. Kennedy Jr. prominently in his administration. Trump remarked that Kennedy would “help restore America’s health” during his post-election speech. However, Kennedy’s unconventional views on health, including the unfounded claim linking vaccines to autism and his stance on removing fluoride from drinking water, raise eyebrows about his potential influence on public health policies.

Throughout his campaign, Trump propagated harmful narratives about immigrants, pledging to establish a deportation force aimed at removing millions from the country. He also threatened to utilize military force against his political adversaries. His rally speeches were often disjointed and bizarre, featuring inappropriate comments about public figures and even crude pantomimes, which detracted from the seriousness of the political discourse.

According to Trump’s former chief of staff, he demonstrated characteristics consistent with fascism, frequently speaking favorably of Adolf Hitler. John Kelly, a retired Marine general, recounted instances where Trump expressed admiration for the Nazi dictator, stating, “You know, Hitler did some good things, too,” and voiced a desire for the type of generals that Hitler had, which raises alarm over the former president’s understanding of history and leadership.

Upon regaining power, Trump is likely to dismiss the federal charges against him. However, the outcome of state-level charges, particularly those in Georgia related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election, remains uncertain. Given the political climate, it seems improbable that the state would effectively hold him accountable, especially considering that enforcement often relies on those who wield power. As president, Trump would possess significant authority and resources at his disposal.

With Republicans securing a majority in the U.S. Senate, the pathway for Trump to achieve his authoritarian objectives becomes clearer. Additionally, a majority in the House of Representatives appears within reach at this writing, providing Trump and the Republican Party with a formidable platform to implement their agenda largely unhindered.

The future appears to hold ominous challenges. What lies ahead are not just dark days but potentially grim weeks, months, and years. Even if one believes they won’t be targeted personally, the broader implications of Project 2025 and the MAGA movement suggest a decentralized form of oppression. Authority figures will be empowered to act with impunity, inflicting harm as long as it aligns with the overarching fascist goals. Individuals may encounter authoritarian figures in various capacities, and even those who support Trump may find themselves vulnerable, as the exercise of raw power will take precedence over established laws.

While this transformation won’t occur overnight, the trajectory is set. It’s essential to prepare for what’s to come. We will all need resilience and unity to navigate the uncertain landscape ahead.