Biggest Chump Ever to Sit in the White House
How Elon Musk’s “Soft Coup” Redefined Trump’s Presidency
On December 22, 2024, Seth Abramson, a New York Times–bestselling Trump biographer, former federal trial lawyer, and retired university professor, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Elon Musk had orchestrated a “soft coup” to install himself as the “unofficial president” of the United States.
Abramson’s claim, which reignited debate about the role of billionaires in modern democracy, connected Musk’s growing political influence to a timeline beginning with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s September 2023 remark that Musk was effectively America’s “unofficial president.”
Abramson argued that Musk’s actions have positioned him as a shadow leader in U.S. politics, while Donald Trump, despite winning the presidency, has been reduced to a figurehead.
“Trump is now the biggest chump ever to sit in the Oval Office,” Abramson wrote, emphasizing that Musk has used his financial power, media platform, and political maneuvering to outshine the official president in both influence and authority.
Elon Musk’s Rise as the “Unofficial President”
Seth Abramson’s claim that Musk staged a “soft coup” to position himself as America’s de facto leader stems from Musk’s deliberate consolidation of power in key areas: media, technology, and campaign financing.
As owner of X (formerly Twitter), Musk has reshaped public discourse by amplifying narratives that align with his interests while suppressing opposing voices.
His political influence reached new heights in 2024 when he became the largest financial backer of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, contributing over $200 million to pro-Trump super PACs.
Abramson’s post reframed Netanyahu’s September 2023 quip about Musk being America’s “unofficial president” as more than a joke—it was, according to Abramson, a calculated reality Musk executed to perfection.
By leveraging his media empire, financial resources, and leadership in emerging technologies, Musk has effectively positioned himself as the most influential unelected figure in American politics.
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Timeline of Musk’s “Soft Coup”
September 18, 2023: Netanyahu’s “Unofficial President” Comment
During a live discussion on X, Netanyahu jokingly called Musk the “unofficial president” of the United States.
The exchange revolved around Musk’s growing influence over global politics, AI governance, and media. Netanyahu’s remark, originally seen as lighthearted, reflected Musk’s outsized role in shaping political discourse.Late 2024: Musk’s Financial Backing of Trump
By the end of 2024, Musk emerged as Trump’s largest financial backer, donating at least $260 million to pro-Trump super PACs.
This unprecedented level of financial support gave Musk significant leverage over Trump’s campaign and GOP policymaking.December 5, 2024: Forbes Reveals Musk’s Role
Forbes reported Musk’s massive financial contributions to Trump’s campaign and detailed Musk’s growing influence in Republican politics. Critics began questioning whether Musk, rather than Trump, was the true leader of the GOP.December 22, 2024: Abramson Declares Musk’s “Soft Coup”
In his viral post, Abramson connected Netanyahu’s “unofficial president” remark to Musk’s calculated rise in political power. Abramson argued that Musk’s actions amounted to a “soft coup,” with Musk effectively installing himself as the nation’s de facto leader while relegating Trump to a ceremonial role.
The Netanyahu-Musk Discussion: Key Themes
Abramson’s critique is rooted in Musk’s September 2023 conversation with Netanyahu, during which Musk’s influence over global politics and technology was on full display.
The discussion highlighted several key themes that foreshadowed Musk’s eventual consolidation of power in 2024.
Netanyahu’s “Unofficial President” Remark
During the discussion, Netanyahu joked that Musk’s inability to run for president due to his South African birth was irrelevant, saying, “Assume you are.”
Musk replied, “Not officially,” to which Netanyahu added, “OK, so you’re the unofficial president.”
While humorous, the comment reflected the growing perception of Musk as a global power broker whose influence rivals that of elected leaders.AI as a Civilizational Threat
Both Netanyahu and Musk discussed the transformative potential and existential risks of artificial intelligence (AI). Musk described AI as a “civilizational threat” and called for global cooperation to regulate its development.
Netanyahu framed AI as both a blessing and a curse, emphasizing the need for ethical guidelines and international deterrence strategies to prevent its misuse by rogue actors.Free Speech and Antisemitism on X
Netanyahu raised concerns about hate speech on X, particularly antisemitism, and urged Musk to balance free speech with combating collective hatred.
Musk claimed he was opposed to antisemitism and explained X’s policy of de-amplifying harmful content.Musk’s Global Influence
Netanyahu acknowledged Musk’s global influence and sought his guidance on regulating AI and mitigating its risks.
Musk shared insights from his meetings with world leaders, including Chinese officials, and warned of the universal dangers posed by unchecked AI development.
Abramson’s Perspective: The Real Power in the White House
Seth Abramson’s claim that Musk is America’s de facto leader paints Trump as little more than a pawn in Musk’s broader strategy.
Musk has shaped political narratives to his advantage by controlling X, boosting Trump’s campaign while marginalizing dissent.
His financial contributions gave him immense leverage over Trump’s presidency, and his role as head of Trump’s “Department of Government Efficiency” allowed him to influence federal policies directly.
Abramson argued that this dynamic has fundamentally reshaped the presidency, with Musk wielding more influence than the actual president.
Trump’s reliance on Musk for campaign support, media amplification, and policy guidance has reduced him to what Abramson calls “the biggest chump ever to sit in the Oval Office.”
Implications of Musk’s “Soft Coup”
Abramson’s claim raises significant questions about the role of unelected billionaires in democratic governance.
Musk’s actions—using his wealth, media empire, and technological influence to shape elections and policymaking—challenge traditional notions of political power and accountability.
His rise as America’s “unofficial president” underscores the vulnerabilities in democratic systems that allow wealth and influence to overshadow electoral processes.
Conclusion: Musk’s Shadow Presidency
Seth Abramson’s assertion that Elon Musk staged a “soft coup” to install himself as America’s “unofficial president” is both provocative and plausible.
Netanyahu’s 2023 remark, once dismissed as a joke, now appears prophetic in light of Musk’s financial and political maneuvers in 2024. While Trump officially holds the title of president, Abramson’s analysis suggests that Musk is the one truly calling the shots.
Whether this constitutes a “soft coup” or a strategic consolidation of influence, one thing is clear: Elon Musk’s unprecedented power has fundamentally altered the balance of leadership in Washington, leaving Trump as little more than a figurehead in his own administration.
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