Elon Musk, billionaire owner of some of the world's most prominent technology companies, including carmaker Tesla, social media platform X and aerospace company SpaceX,  has this week seen his political influence cemented with a potentially powerful appointment in the administration of Donald Trump, who had promised Musk a leadership role in an administration if he is reelected. The president-elect announced on Tuesday evening that he was going to make Musk the head of a new "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) aimed at slashing government expenditure, bureaucracy and regulations. The exact position of this new organization is not yet clear, as, despite its name, it will apparently not be an official government department. Musk would "provide advice and guidance from outside the government," Trump said in a statement posted on his social media platform Truth Social. Nevertheless, the appointment potentially gives Musk enormous power over government policy. Though there are few details about what plans DOGE has, Musk promised on X that its work would be transparent, and it would "have a leaderboard for most insanely dumb spending of your tax dollars." Musk has regularly been using the influence he wields through his companies to weigh in on political debates in countries around the world, from Brazil to Germany.   The 53-year-old's intervention in politics, unprecedented in its openness and visibility, highlights how a few private tech companies and their executives hold increasingly unchecked power over decisions traditionally reserved for governments, digital rights experts warn.   "The kinds of technologies Musk operates are highly critical, and the companies he owns are incredibly influential and positioned at key junctures in terms of access to information and geopolitics," said Marietje Schaake, a fellow at Stanford University's Cyber Policy Center and author of The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley.   "And Musk isn't just running these companies to maximize their success," Schaake, a former member of the European Parliament for the Dutch liberal Democrats 66 party, told DW. "He's also using them as tools for his own geopolitical agenda."  From self-proclaimed ‘moderate' to right-wing hard-liner  Since founding his first company in the mid-1990s, the South African-born entrepreneur has built a string of successful businesses and amassed an estimated fortune of more than $243 billion (€224 billion).  His talent for growing startups into leading technology companies has also given him increasing control over critical digital infrastructure and gradually helped expand his political influence. Today, the US space program NASA relies on Musk's astronautics company, SpaceX, to launch satellites. SpaceX subsidiary Starlink delivers broadband internet to some of the most remote places in the world and has become an indispensable tool for militaries in conflict zones from Ukraine to Gaza. The geopolitical influence that comes with control of these technologies is illustrated by revelations from The Wall Street Journal: According to the paper, Musk has been in contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022. Among other things, Putin asked Musk not to activate the Starlink satellite communications system over Taiwan as a favor to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, The Wall Street Journal reports. With his acquisition of X, previously Twitter, in 2022, Musk also gained control over one of the most influential social media platforms.  At the same time, the entrepreneur, who once identified as a "moderate" on the political fringes, has increasingly aligned himself with hard-line conservative positions, openly opposing left-leaning ideals he now views as detrimental to society's future.  Breaking with tradition  Musk's political involvement reached new heights in the buildup to the US election in November. After an assassination attempt in mid-July, Musk publicly endorsed Trump. Between July and mid-October this year, Musk contributed nearly $119 million to a super PAC supporting Trump, according to campaign finance reports. Then, in the final weeks before election day, he drew criticism by offering cash incentives to registered voters in seven swing states to sign a petition. Every day until the election, one signatory was selected at random and awarded one million dollars. he drew attention Such overt political involvement is unusual among US business elites. "The relationship between Musk and Trump brings into the open a level of influence that most business moguls prefer to keep under the radar," Schaake said. "Musk's actions seem to reflect that he believes he can do whatever he wants," she added, referring to Musk's repeated attempts to insert himself into other countries' political debates. What next?  This concentration of power over critical digital infrastructure poses a risk to democracy, cyber policy expert Schaake warned. A first glimpse of this potential influence was offered in late September: Trump's running mate, JD Vance, suggested that the US might reconsider its support for NATO if the European Union moved forward with regulations targeting social media platforms, specifically Musk's X. The EU is currently investigating X for potential violations of new online platform regulations, which could lead to substantial fines.  "Musk is unpredictable; his positions can change overnight," she said. "And when someone who controls significant products and infrastructure changes his mind, the consequences are also significant." 

US President-elect Donald Trump continued to fill key positions in his second administration on Tuesday. The new appointments include the US ambassador to Israel and a special envoy for the Middle East. The Republican leader has put an emphasis on close aides and allies who were his strongest backers during the 2024 campaign. Musk, Ramaswamy to oversee government efficiency Trump on Tuesday announced that billionaire Elon Musk will lead a new US "Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)" tasked with cutting federal waste, alongside former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The acronym "DOGE" is a reference to the cryptocurrency Dogecoin, a Musk favorite. During the election, Musk spent over $100 million (€94.1 million) promoting himself as a key Trump ally. Musk also boosted Trump on X, formerly Twitter, the social media platform he owns. "Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies," Trump said in a statement. According to the statement, Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House "advice and guidance." Former intelligence boss to head CIA Trump nominated John Ratcliffe to head up the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Ratcliffe, a former Republican congressman from Texas, led the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in the final months of Trump's first term. "I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions," Trump said. He called Ratcliffe a "a fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans." Staunch conservative appointed as ambassador to Israel Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, one of the Republican party's most conservative voices, has been appointed the US' next ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, a staunch Evangelical conservative, is known for his support for Israel. He has also voiced his support for the settlements in the West Bank, which considered illegal under international law. This comes as president-elect Donald Trump has promised to align the US' foreign policy closer to Israel's interests. In a statement about the nomination, Trump said Huckabee "will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East." Secretaries for defense and homeland security named Trump named military veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as his incoming defense secretary, praising him as "tough, smart, and a true believer in America First." "With Pete at the helm, America's enemies are on notice — Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down," he said in a statement. Earlier, Hegseth expressed disdain for "woke" policies in the Pentagon and has said he left the military in 2021 after being deemed an extremist by the Army. Additionally, Trump appointed South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as secretary of homeland security. He highlighted that she was the first governor to deploy National Guard troops to help Texas combat illegal border crossings. Golf partner appointed Middle East envoy As his pick for a special envoy to the Middle East, Trump appointed his old friend and golf partner Steven Witkoff. Witkoff, a Florida real estate investor, is currently the chair of Trump's inaugural committee. "Steve will be an unrelenting voice for peace, and make us all proud," Trump said on social media.

US President-elect Donald Trump appointed a number of loyalists to his incoming administration on Monday, including tapping longtime adviser Stephen Miller to be his deputy policy chief. The appointments indicate the new Trump administration's tough stance against illegal immigration. Longtime aide tapped as policy chief Miller is one of Trump's longest-serving aides since his first campaign for the White House. He has been key to many of Trump's previous policy decisions, including a 2018 move that separated thousands of immigrant families as a deterrence program. Since leaving the White House after Trump's first term ended, Miller served as the president of America First Legal — a conservative organization that challenges the Biden administration, the media, universities and other groups on issues such as freedom of speech and national security. "This is another fantastic pick by the president," Vice President-elect JD Vance said on social media. Waltz tapped as national security adviser Trump picked Mike Waltz as his national security adviser, sources told the Associated Press and Reuters news agencies. Waltz, a three-term Republican congressman and the first Green Beret elected to the US House, easily won reelection last week.  He has served as chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. A staunch Trump supporter, Waltz has criticized Chinese activity in the Asia-Pacific and voiced the need for the US to be ready for a potential conflict. His appointment does not require Senate confirmation. Former ICE boss to be next 'border czar' Trump also announced that he had appointed a former acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as his "border czar," a role which does not require Senate approval. "I am pleased to announce that the former ICE director, and stalwart on border control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump administration, in charge of our nation's borders," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Trump added that Homan "will be in charge of all deportation of illegal aliens back to their country of origin." Homan was the acting director of ICE from 2017 to 2018. Speaking at the National Conservatism Conference in Washington earlier this year, Homan vowed to run "the biggest deportation operation this country's ever seen" if Trump was elected again. Trump loyalist to represent Washington at UN Trump also chose New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik to be the next US ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik took her seat in in 2014, in the years that followed, she became one of Trump's most loyal allies in the House, defending him vigorously through both of his impeachment trials as well as his four criminal indictments. Stefanik hold minimal foreign policy and national security experience, but she has been a vocal supporter of Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza. "Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said in a statement Monday. It was his first appointment that will require senate confirmation.

Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has held President Joe Biden responsible for the Democratic Party's defeat in the U.S. presidential election. She stated that if President Biden had stepped down before the election, the Democratic Party could have selected a candidate through competition. In an interview with The New York Times, Pelosi further remarked that if Biden had withdrawn earlier, there could have been more candidates to choose from in the election. The interview was published by The New York Times on Thursday, November 7, local time. Pelosi noted that if Biden had stepped aside earlier, there would have been an opportunity for a primary competition to select a candidate. According to a BBC report on Saturday, it was mentioned that in the United States, candidates go through months of campaigning and debates to secure their nomination. After Biden announced his re-election bid, the Democratic Party did not select any other candidates. Four months before the election, after being defeated in a debate with Donald Trump, Biden announced his withdrawal. At this time, the Democratic Party hurriedly nominated Vice President Kamala Harris as the candidate. In the interview, Pelosi criticized Biden for hastily endorsing Kamala Harris after his withdrawal from the election race. In the same interview, Pelosi praised Kamala Harris, stating that she inspired hope among the people. Pelosi believes Kamala would have won if there had been a competitive candidate selection process. She said that perhaps Kamala would have been stronger and could have connected more with the people. Pelosi commented that by nominating Kamala Harris as the candidate so quickly, Biden made it impossible to go through the candidate selection process. If everything had happened sooner, the situation might have been different. Notably, on Tuesday, November 5, Republican Party candidate Donald Trump was elected as the new President of the United States.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday congratulated Donald Trump on his US election victory and said Moscow was ready for dialogue with the Republican president-elect. Trump, who also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has boasted he could end Russia's war in Ukraine within hours and has repeatedly criticized US aid to Ukraine. What the two men said about each other In his first public remarks since Trump's win, Putin highlighted Trump's remarks during the US election campaign about Ukraine and restoring relations with Russia. "What was said about the desire to restore relations with Russia, to bring about the end of the Ukrainian crisis, in my opinion, this deserves attention at least," said Putin. "I take this opportunity to congratulate him," Putin said in remarks to the Valdai forum in the southern Russian city of Sochi. When asked if he was open to holding talks with Trump, the Russian leader said: "Ready." Putin also praised Trump, saying the former president had acted like a "real man" during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July. Trump also revealed he was prepared for some kind of conversation, telling NBC News in an interview that "I think we'll speak." The 78-year-old said he had spoken to "probably" 70 world leaders since Wednesday morning but revealed that he had not talked to Putin. A book by US investigative reporter Bob Woodward has asserted that Trump and Putin may have spoken as many as seven times during Joe Biden's presidency. Trump has repeatedly expressed admiration for Putin as well as other authoritarian leaders such as China's Xi Jinping and North Korea's Kim Jong Un. Zelensky says call with Trump 'excellent' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had an "excellent call" with Trump, who has threatened to cut off the steady flow of US aid for Kyiv's fight against Russia's nearly three-year-old invasion. "I praised his family and team for their great work," Zelenskyy said. "We agreed to maintain close dialogue and advance our cooperation. Strong and unwavering US leadership is vital for the world and for a just peace." Kyiv is desperate to shore up support from European allies in its fight against Moscow after Trump's victory raised doubts about future US assistance. Speaking to European leaders at a summit in Hungary, Zelenskyy said it would be "unacceptable" for Europe to offer the Kremlin concessions to halt its invasion of Ukraine. He criticized those who were pressuring him to give in to some of Putin's tough demands that Ukraine cede swathes more territory in its east and south as a precondition to peace talks. "There has been much talk about the need to yield to Putin, to back down, to make some concessions," Zelensky said in an address. "It's unacceptable for Ukraine and unacceptable for all Europe," he added.

World leaders congratulated Donald Trump on Wednesday for his victory in the US presidential election. Many leaders, including India's Narendra Modi and Hungary's Viktor Orban hailed Trump's unprecedented return to political power, while others offered more cautious congratulations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed hope that they could work constructively with the future Trump administration. Some leaders from various conflict regions from the Middle East to Europe also emphasized the role Washington will play in global security going forward. Differing reactions from Russia and Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was quick to congratulate Trump on "his impressive election victory." "I recall our great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-US strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine," Zelenskyy said on social media. "I appreciate President Trump's commitment to the 'peace through strength;' approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together." However, Zelenskyy added: "We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States." In Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists he was unaware of any plans by President Vladimir Putin to congratulate Trump since the US is an "unfriendly country." "We will draw conclusions based on concrete steps and concrete words," Peskov said. This comes despite accusations that Russia attempted to influence the US election in favor of Trump, and Trump's open admiration for Putin. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is now a senior defense official in the Kremlin, offered a more detailed reaction. "Trump has one useful quality for us: as a businessman to the core, he mortally dislikes spending money on various hangers-on and stupid hanger-on allies, on bad charity projects and on voracious international organizations," he wrote on Telegram. Middle Eastern leaders hope for stability Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the first leaders to congratulate the incoming US president with a message arriving before Trump had met the electoral vote threshold to be declared the election's winner. "Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful re-commitment to the great alliance between Israel and America," Netanyahu wrote on social media. The Israeli prime minister said he offered his message "in true friendship." The US is Israel's closest ally and largest military backer. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani also congratulated Trump and said he looked forward to "working together again... in promoting security and stability both in the region and globally." The Gulf monarchy has been a key mediator in talks between the US, Israel and militant group Hamas regarding the war in Gaza. Qatar also hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East. Elsewhere in the region, Jordan's King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi expressed hope that Washington could help achieve peace in the region. "I wish him all the success... and I look forward to reaching peace together, upholding regional stability and strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States and their friendly peoples," he said on social media. Europe's leaders aim to work constructively with Trump Many European leaders congratulated Trump but emphasized the need to work constructively together. "Germany and the US have for a long time successfully worked together to promote prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to do so for the benefit of our citizens," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on social media. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he "looked forward" to working with Trump. "As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise," he said. French President Emmanuel Macron also congratulated Trump but also proposed that the 27 members of the European Union coordinate a European strategy in the wake of the US election result. "Ready to work together just as we knew how to do during four years. With your convictions and with mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity," the French president said on social media. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen also "warmly congratulated" Trump on his election victory. "The EU and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens," von der Leyen said. "Let's work together on a strong transatlantic agenda that keeps delivering for them." Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed hope for a productive partnership after Trump accused other members of the defense alliance of not paying their fair share. "His leadership will again be key to keeping our alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO." One of the warmest responses in Europe came from Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who congratulated Trump on "the biggest comeback in US history." "A much needed victory for the world!" Orban said on social media. Modi congratulates 'friend,' Erdogan declares 'new era' India's Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his "heartiest congratulations" to Trump, whom he described as a friend. "As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership," Modi said. "Together, let's work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity." The two right-wing leaders enjoy warm relations, with Modi hosting Trump at a major political rally in his home state of Gujarat in 2020. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Trump on his win "after a big fight in the presidential elections." He specifically pointed to the role Washington could play in the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. "In this new era that will start with the choice of the American people, I hope for Turkish-American ties to strengthen, for regional and global crises and wars, primarily the Palestine issue and the Russia-Ukraine war, to end; I believe more effort will be exerted for a fairer world," Erdogan said. African leaders hope for closer cooperation Leaders from Africa also weighed in on the US election outcome. The office of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said that because of Trump's prior experience as president from 2017 to 2021, his election on Wednesday would "usher in an era of earnest, beneficial and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States." "Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace and address global challenges that affect our citizens," Tinubu said. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also congratulated Trump. "I look forward to working together to further strengthen the relationship between our two countries during your term," he said.

Kamala Harris, the defeated candidate and opponent, has congratulated Donald Trump on being elected as the President of the United States. On Wednesday (November 6), British news outlet BBC reported this information, citing CBS News. According to CBS News, which quoted Harris’s associates, the two leaders spoke on the phone for a few minutes. During the call, Kamala urged Trump to be a president for all Americans. Meanwhile, BBC reported that Kamala Harris is scheduled to address party workers and supporters at Howard University in Washington on Wednesday. The Democratic campaign team confirmed the same, stating that Kamala will speak to supporters at Howard University in Washington at 9 p.m. Her husband, Douglas Emhoff, will be with her. Earlier, Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States, breaking a 132-year record in the recently concluded election, defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.