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In a recent virtual address to a gathering of former federal appointees in Texas, Elon Musk laid out his vision for a promising “12-year span,” marked by Donald Trump’s current second term and followed by two anticipated terms under Vice President JD Vance. This address took place during a reunion with his former federal cost-cutting team.
The details of Musk’s speech were initially disclosed by Politico. The exclusive event occurred on November 22 within a building owned by Musk, situated near his Boring Company and SpaceX operations in Bastrop, Texas. Approximately 150 individuals, comprising current and former members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and their families, attended the gathering. Musk opted to participate virtually, citing concerns for his personal safety as his reason for not attending in person.
Musk, speaking from a dark and undisclosed location, shared with the audience his perspective on being one of the top three assassination targets in the nation, ranking only after Trump and Vance. This assertion is consistent with previous comments Musk has made, including during a Tesla shareholder call where he humorously suggested that improving his physical fitness might lessen his chances of assassination.
Despite past disagreements with Trump—such as Musk’s support for impeachment and his criticism of the administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”—recent events indicate a mended relationship. The two were seen exchanging a handshake at a September tribute event for the late Turning Point USA founder, Charlie Kirk, which was widely perceived as a public reconciliation following their prolonged feud.
According to the Politico report, Musk has “stepped back from politics.” Nonetheless, the report also highlights his development of a “strong personal relationship” with Vice President Vance.
Musk’s outlook aligns with recent comments from Trump himself. During a White House cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump remarked that two members of his administration could form the 2028 Republican presidential ticket, glancing at Vice President JD Vance as he noted, “Could be a couple of people sitting at this table.” He added that he wanted their work “to be carried forward.” The comments followed his October 27 statement to reporters, made during a flight from Malaysia to Japan, in which he deemed a Vance-Rubio “unstoppable.”
Musk’s reengagement with Republican politics comes after an attempt to chart his own course earlier this year. His short-lived effort to launch a third political party — the “America Party” — drew criticism from Trump, who dismissed it as “ridiculous” and warned it would only sow “disruption and chaos.” Former RNC Chairman Michael Whatley expressed indifference at the time, telling Breitbart News he would only be concerned if Musk moved to split the vote in a general election.
By summer’s end, signs of a thaw in tensions began to emerge. In July, Vice President JD Vance acknowledged he suspected Elon Musk “very much wants” to rejoin President Trump’s team, while also noting it would ultimately be Musk’s loss if he chose not to. Around the same time, Musk posted an apology on X for “some” of his recent remarks about the president and reportedly called Trump personally to express regret.
