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This is Trump & Elon Watch: Black America’s Weekly Need-to-Know.
Each week, BIN will break down the latest actions of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, whether it’s political maneuvering, economic policies, social media shake-ups, or attacks on democracy. We’ll examine what’s happening, why it matters, and most importantly how Black America is impacted. No fluff. No fear-mongering. Just facts. Every breakdown is designed to be a resource, a guide to help Black America navigate these uncertain times. Because if history has taught us anything, knowledge is power.
This week, Trump faces legal pushback on his executive orders while Musk loses big in Wisconsin’s high-stakes Supreme Court race. Plus, questions swirl around Musk’s future at DOGE as pressure mounts.
Is Elon Actually Stepping Down From DOGE? What’s Next?
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What’s Happening
As a special government employee, Elon Musk can only serve 130 days in his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) unless he is formally appointed as a permanent federal official. If Musk started on January 20, 2025, his legal window to serve ends on May 30.
While speculation has swirled around Musk’s departure, a clear answer remains elusive. In an interview earlier this month, Musk said he aims to cut $1 trillion in federal spending by the end of Trump’s term, indicating he may not be stepping away any time soon.
According to Politico, Trump and Musk have discussed Musk taking a step back amid mounting pressure. The outlet reported, "The president remains pleased with Musk, but both men have decided in recent days that it will soon be time for Musk to return to his businesses and take on a supporting role.”
However, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected the idea of Musk resigning, saying, "This 'scoop' is garbage. Elon Musk and President Trump have both publicly stated that Elon will depart from public service as a special government employee when his incredible work at DOGE is complete."
How Are We Impacted
DOGE will still exist even if Musk exits as the agency’s head. Musk will also likely remain a close ally of Trump’s, as Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed. "DOGE has got a lot of work to do, and yeah, that work is going to continue after Elon leaves," the VP said. "But fundamentally, Elon is going to remain a friend and an adviser of both me and the president."
While DOGE may outlast Musk, the policies he’s put in place are likely to shape the federal government for years to come.
What Can Be Done
Stay informed about DOGE’s upcoming changes. If Musk transitions out, demand transparency about who replaces him and what powers they’ll hold.
Elon Musk’s Big Money Loss in Wisconsin
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What’s Happening
Susan Crawford defeated conservative favorite Brad Schimel in Tuesday's (April 1) race for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The high-stakes race drew over $90 million in spending, including more than $25 million from Elon Musk and affiliated groups, making it the most expensive judicial election in American history.
With the ideological makeup of the Wisconsin Supreme Court on the line, conservatives poured millions into the race, hoping to elect Schimel and hold the majority ahead of decisions on major issues, including abortion access, labor rights, and redistricting.
Musk even went as far as giving out $1 million checks to two voters at a rally in Green Bay on Sunday (March 30). “I think this will be important for the future of civilization,” Musk said. “It’s that significant.”
How Are We Impacted
Crawford’s win preserved the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s 4–3 liberal majority. The court is expected to weigh in on whether abortion rights will remain protected statewide and on the legality of congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Her election could also open the door for Democrats to challenge Republican-drawn maps passed in 2011. If the court rules in their favor, previously unwinnable districts could become competitive. Crawford’s victory also gave Democrats a much-needed morale boost in a swing state that Trump narrowly won in 2024.
What Can Be Done
Even with Elon Musk’s massive financial backing, Crawford was still able to win the race by 9 points. The takeaway? Voting matters. Make your voice heard by showing up in local and state elections, especially when billionaires are trying to buy elections.
Trump’s Executive Orders Take a Hit
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What’s Happening
Trump’s executive orders are facing major legal setbacks that could block them from being enforced.
On Monday (March 31), a coalition of Democrats filed a 74-page lawsuit challenging Trump’s executive order on voting requirements, which directs the attorney general to “take all necessary action” against states that count absentee or mail-in ballots after Election Day. The order also calls for proof of citizenship to vote.
That same week, a federal appeals court in San Francisco declined to lift a block on Trump’s executive order banning trans people from serving in the U.S. military. Trump’s attorneys argued that without the order, the military “will be forced to continue implementing a policy that the Department has determined is not compatible with military readiness and lethality.”
How Are We Impacted
The Trump administration had already started firing trans military members, but now, they will be able to keep their jobs as the appeal process continues.
The Democratic coalition made up of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and four national party committees is pushing back hard on Trump’s voting order. They argue the policy would suppress votes, particularly in Black, Brown, and immigrant communities, by limiting mail-in ballot access and adding new barriers to registration.
What Can Be Done
The Washington, D.C., federal district court is set to hear the Democrats’ lawsuit against Trump’s executive order on voting rights. A temporary restraining order may be placed on Trump’s order while the case continues. In the meantime, check your voter registration, watch for local changes to election laws, and support organizations fighting to protect voting rights and the LGBTQ+ community.
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