5.06.2025

"Elon Musk's Journey Through Trump's Presidency"

This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors

This curated photo collection features significant moments involving notable personalities such as Elon Musk and President Donald Trump. These moments capture interactions and events from the months leading up to and following the 60th Presidential Inauguration, which took place in Washington D.C. on January 20, 2025.

The collection begins with images from the inauguration itself, showcasing Elon Musk alongside Google CEO Sundar Pichai, among others. The photos depict Musk's involvement in various high-profile events, including a notable lunch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13, 2025, where Musk was present during discussions between President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. These instances reflect the intersection of business and politics, highlighting Musk's role as a leading figure in technology and innovation.

Throughout March 2025, several photos document Musk attending significant gatherings such as the NCAA wrestling championship finals in Philadelphia. Here, he can be seen engaging with President Trump, illustrating his close ties with the administration. The imagery reveals Musk's public persona, often engaging with media and appearing at public events, such as a town hall meeting in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he spoke to constituents.

One particular image captures Musk on March 9, 2025, flashing a shirt emblazoned with "DOGE" on the White House's South Lawn, indicative of his playful engagement with popular culture and meme-driven cryptocurrency movements. These moments contribute to Musk's public identity as a blend of businessman, tech innovator, and cultural icon.

As the days roll into April 2025, Musk was frequently seen with his son, X Æ A-Xii, creating a humanizing aspect to his high-profile persona. Their appearances together often involved informal settings, such as arriving on Marine One with President Trump, showcasing a mix of personal and professional interactions in the political landscape. On April 12, 2025, Musk was photographed with his son, accentuating his role not just as a businessman but also as a father in the eyes of the public. This illustrates how Musk balances his demanding career while engaging with family, maintaining a relatable image.

In February 2025, Musk was photographed during a cabinet meeting, emphasizing his influence in political and economic discourse. These interactions reveal the depth of collaboration between influential figures in technology and government. His discussions with national leaders, including meetings with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, showcase Musk's global influence and his status as a key player in international relations through his ventures in Tesla and SpaceX.

The collection further highlights Musk's attendance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on February 20, 2025, where he received a chainsaw from Argentina's President Javier Milei. This gift, paired with Musk's engagement at CPAC, illustrates his appeal within conservative circles and the political administration of the time. Musk's addresses during significant gatherings, like his speech when President Trump addressed Congress on March 4, 2025, reveal not only his involvement in policymaking discussions but also his significant impact on the political narrative of that era.

As the photo collection concludes, the recurring imagery of Musk with prominent figures like Trump and Pichai presents an intricate tapestry of relationships forged in the corridors of power. The photos capture these complex dynamics, portraying how Musk navigates his business endeavors alongside entertainment, media, and public policy, firmly positioning him as a pivotal figure during this transformative period in American political history.