Believe Them the First Time

Looking back, everything we needed to know about the current White House occupant and Musk was right in front of us. The way they each handle criticism, approach conflict, and treat both allies and opponents gives us a clear picture of their character. Some supporters see strength, while critics (count me among them) see warning signs. In either case, the clues were always there. From the way Trump built his brand on controversy and divisiveness to the way Musk has wielded his influence over social and political discourse, neither has been shy about showing their true colors. Whether through policy decisions, business moves, or the people they align themselves with, their actions speak louder than their words.

From the very start, 47 made it clear he knew nothing about Project 2025. We now can add that to his extensive list of lies. It’s become a predictable pattern—deny, deflect, and then later embrace when convenient. Meanwhile, Musk’s actions, allegedly with 47’s blessings, are right in line with Project 2025’s vision. The consolidation of power, the reshaping of institutions, and the systematic targeting of opposition all fit the blueprint. Some people may have hoped the plan would change, soften, or adapt over time, but the truth is that they showed us exactly who they were since day one. If anything, the past years have only confirmed what was already evident.

Whether 47’s legacy is seen as a success or a cautionary tale depends on who you ask—but one thing is certain: they showed us who they were, and we can’t say we weren’t warned. Every decision, every appointment, every policy move has reinforced the same themes of self-interest, authoritarian tendencies, and a disregard for democratic norms. History will judge their impact, but for those who were paying attention, the outcome was never in question. We were given the signs, and now we’re beginning to experience the consequences of people who believe they are above the law and that the President of the United States is all powerful and answers to nobody.