Elon Musk made a notable appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on February 20, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Maryland, where his presence was marked by the emergence of 'Dark MAGA' hats alongside traditional red 'Make America Great Again' hats, signaling his rising influence among conservatives.

During Trump's address at CPAC, Musk announced that federal employees would receive emails detailing their accomplishments, with non-responses interpreted as resignations, further illustrating his push for efficiency.

At CPAC, Musk surprised attendees by brandishing a chainsaw, symbolizing his aggressive approach to government efficiency, which he argues is essential for cutting costs and improving services.

Musk's controversial stances on issues like H-1B visas have drawn ire from some hardline conservatives, despite his earlier ties to the movement and his current support for deregulation.

While Musk received accolades at CPAC, anti-Trump activists gathered nearby, where billionaire Mark Cuban criticized Musk's influence, arguing it could hinder Trump's efforts and was not beneficial to conservative voters.

During his speech, Trump publicly expressed his support for Musk, referring to him as a 'patriot' and urging him to take a more active role in government affairs despite his unofficial status.

Despite Musk's praise at CPAC, critics, including young conservatives, voiced concerns about his growing power and potential conflicts of interest, particularly regarding his business ventures with Tesla and SpaceX.

Speakers at CPAC hailed Musk as a 'hero of free speech' and a 'white knight,' emphasizing his perceived role in challenging bureaucratic inefficiencies and navigating federal processes.

Musk's influence has been significant in the Trump administration, where he has advised on the restructuring of agencies and the firing of thousands of federal workers without congressional approval, leading to confusion and protests among employees.

Tensions between Musk and Steve Bannon appeared to ease at CPAC, with Bannon, who had previously criticized Musk, referring to him as 'Superman' and adopting a more conciliatory tone.

Musk's transformation from a Democratic supporter to a significant conservative figure has been marked by his authenticity and unique contributions, earning him praise from CPAC attendees.