A running list of Elon Musk's biggest controversies

The head of DOGE has nearly unprecedented access to the White House

Photo collage of Elon Musk doing the Nazi salute, with a burning Tesla cybertruck and a burning dumpster in the background.
At an event celebrating Trump's second inauguration, Musk raised an outstretched arm to the crowd in a manner reminiscent of a Nazi salute
(Image credit: Illustration by Julia Wytrazek / Getty Images)

Tesla founder Elon Musk has been embroiled in many controversies. This has been turbocharged in the wake of his government position following President Donald Trump's reelection, and many in the U.S. increasingly view him as a lightning rod figure.

Trump and DOGE

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.