On New Year's Eve, Elon Musk, clad in a tuxedo, sat at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, effortlessly scrolling through his phone.

In the background, newly elected President Donald Trump was dancing to YMCA by the Village People.

A turning point occurred when Musk, initially uninvolved, joined Trump in dancing.

This was more than just a show of friendship—it signified a subtle shift in Musk's approach towards populist leaders globally, as he increasingly aligns with figures like Trump.

Over the past year, Musk's influence surged dramatically, with Trump calling him a 'super-genius' and naming him the 'Efficiency Czar'—an informal yet influential role, akin to a shadow vice president.

Musk's dramatic rise in influence and power, despite not holding elected office, signifies a new era where a tech mogul exerts substantial influence over national and international political landscapes.

His actions—both politically and otherwise—have raised key questions: Can we trust a billionaire, whose wealth exceeds $421 billion, to prioritize the public's interest?

Although Musk is accustomed to using his wealth and platform to sway political and economic matters, his latest ventures in global politics indicate a shift in his impact.

In December, Musk joined Trump for the reopening of Notre Dame in Paris, where he also met French President Emmanuel Macron.

Subsequently, in New York, Musk attended a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Musk’s engagement in high-level political events highlights his increasing stature as an unofficial political figure, despite his lack of elected office.

Musk’s political influence isn't confined to the U.S. On X (formerly Twitter), Musk accused UK Labour leader Keir Starmer in relation to a grooming scandal involving British-Pakistani gangs.

Musk’s tweet advocating 'prison for Starmer' received backlash from UK officials, yet Musk’s involvement in British politics reflects a broader trend.

Leveraging his vast audience and social media platform, Musk has emerged as a mighty force in international politics, utilizing his influence to shape narratives and affect elections.

Critics contend that Musk's unrestrained power in the digital era, paired with his immense financial means, poses a threat to democratic processes.

Just as industrial magnates like the Rockefellers and Koch brothers used their fortunes to influence policy, Musk’s unparalleled control over global communications and media landscapes provides him with unprecedented influence.

In this new era, Musk’s actions are reshaping political dialogue in real-time.

In Germany, Musk publicly backed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), a move that drew governmental scrutiny.

Musk's remarks about the AfD, disregarding its neo-Nazi ties and calling it the 'last spark of hope,' were criticized by German officials who accused him of meddling in national elections.

This fueled concerns about the potential risks of a private individual wielding such significant sway over political results.

Musk’s power extends beyond his political views.

His business ventures are closely tied to his political maneuvers.

With SpaceX, Tesla, and Neuralink, Musk’s companies heavily depend on government contracts, subsidies, and regulatory approvals.

Consequently, his political influence could directly impact the future of these industries.

For example, Musk’s lobbying efforts to change the U.S. budget and his clout over key regulatory bodies further illustrate the increasingly blurred lines between business and politics.

However, Musk’s entry into international politics hasn't been without controversy.

His support for contentious figures, like Italy’s Meloni and Canada’s Pierre Poilievre, and his critiques of Brazilian politics, suggest a pattern of interventionism that spans the globe.

In Latin America, Musk’s backing of Venezuela’s opposition and his critiques of the Brazilian electoral system have stirred tensions, further demonstrating his wide-reaching influence.

This strategic alliance between Musk and Trump is likely to have enduring consequences.

Musk's financial support for Trump’s campaign and his direct backing during the election cycle illustrate the growing symbiosis between them.

Musk has successfully integrated his business empire into Trump’s political network, aligning his interests with those of the former president in a way that could reshape American politics for years to come.

While this relationship may appear advantageous for Musk in securing regulatory favor and boosting his financial outlook, it raises significant concerns about power concentration among unelected elites.

Musk’s influence, magnified by his social media reach and business empire, poses a challenge to democratic processes.

As Musk positions himself as a powerful figure in both the business and political arenas, the world may be witnessing a new phase of oligarchic governance, where private individuals influence national policies.

As Musk and Trump continue strengthening their alliance, it remains to be seen how their combined power will shape global politics and economics.

For now, it is clear that Musk's capacity to sway public discourse, influence political outcomes, and control sizable economic resources places him in a unique position—one that could potentially change history's course.