Only influence as someone accomplishing only what Trump wants. He was only listened to when his goals fully aligned with Trump’s. Such henchmen only have the illusion of influence, as they have no real freedom to act on their own.

It’s a perfect example of the illusion of control Trump sells to the rich; they will only benefit by playing along, and will not get anywhere if they don’t. He really doesn’t need to listen to them, as they have no real power to wield over him.

Unlike under the liberal system where they could do any number of things to undermine politicians’ power because politicians were bound to the ballot box, Trump effectively isn’t anymore. He might legit die before his term is up, and is capable of thoroughly corrupting the system enough to remain in power without elections if he does. He is redesigning the government to not need congress or the judiciary, meaning nobody will really be able to stop him within the system.

Violent methods become the only option, and there is no shot the wealthy libs will actually be brave enough to act out. Most will just ride the grift until Trump dies, knowing full well they’ll face little accountability for sponsoring death camps.

Musk never had a shot and never had any influence. He was never a shadow king, just a dog to be put down if it disobeyed

More like “Elong outlived his meger usefulness and Trump booted him like he always meant to.” Trump has long disliked Elonga, and as soon as Elongat showed any signs of acting independently, he was doomed. He was kicked out for the same reason McCarthy was replaced by a nobody like Johnson, the same reason a weakling like Pence was needed for VP. There’s just no room on it for anybody with independent power; only the king can sail.

The ship is far from sinking, and not recognizing that we’re stuck with Trump until he dies is wishful thinking.