Conflict Theory? The Moves of Trump's Close Friends After Inauguration

Where are President Donald Trump's 'close friends' since his inauguration? These individuals hold key positions inside or outside the Trump administration, supporting President Trump.

Having been in business for a long time, President Trump has a wide network, but his closest associates include Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, and Dana White, CEO of the UFC.

Donald Trump, President of the United States (left), and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla (center). Photo by AFP News Agency

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Elon Musk, known as President Trump's 'First Buddy (the president's number one friend),' was appointed head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Trump's second administration. Recently, he ousted businessman-turned-politician Vivek Ramaswamy, who was co-head, and took full command.

However, there are recent speculations of friction between Musk and President Trump. On the 22nd (local time), President Trump announced his first investment attraction project since taking office, establishing a joint venture called 'Stargate' with $500 billion invested by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI; Larry Ellison, chairman of Oracle; and Masayoshi Son, chairman of SoftBank, to build AI development infrastructure. Musk publicly poured cold water on the announcement immediately after, calling it unrealistic. On his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he openly raised concerns, saying, "They actually don't have the money." The U.S. online media Axios reported, "Undermining a $500 billion project led by OpenAI and other tech giants could provoke Trump's anger."

Dana White, UFC CEO, talking with Donald Trump, President of the United States (left). Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

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Dana White, CEO of the UFC, has been a close friend of President Trump for over 20 years. White first connected with Trump in 2001 when he hosted a UFC event at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He delivered speeches for Trump at the Republican National Conventions in 2016, 2020, and 2024, and attended the victory celebration party for the November election.

White contributed not only during Trump's first term but also in the recent election victory. Analysts say he played a decisive role in rallying votes from young male voters, beyond just delivering support speeches. Even after Trump was found guilty in June last year in a hush money scandal, he showcased his friendship with White by attending UFC matches shortly after his election victory. Foreign media such as the AP News evaluated that Trump's frequent appearances with White at UFC venues helped appeal to young male voters.

Given their close relationship, attention focused on White's next moves immediately after Trump's election. However, in a November interview last year, White drew a line by stating, "I personally have no political ambitions." Although he did not engage in politics, he was appointed as a Meta board member in January this year. Meanwhile, White had originally planned to visit South Korea on the 14th of last month but canceled the schedule due to the aftermath of martial law.

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