In a virtual address to a private gathering of former federal appointees in Texas last month Elon Musk outlined what he called a great 12-year span. This begins with Donald Trump’s ongoing second term and continues through two projected terms of Vice President JD Vance during a reunion of his former federal cost-cutting team.

Details of the speech Musk delivered at the event were first reported by Politico. The closed-door reunion took place on November 22 inside a Musk-owned building near his Boring Company and SpaceX operations in Bastrop Texas. Around 150 current and former members of the Department of Government Efficiency along with family members attended the gathering.

Musk appeared virtually rather than in person explaining he chose not to travel due to concerns over his safety.

Speaking from what was described as a dark undisclosed location he told the audience he sees himself as one of the top three assassination targets in the country ranking only behind Trump and Vance. That claim echoed fears Musk has voiced before including during a Tesla shareholder call where he half-joked that improving his fitness might reduce his risk of being killed.

Despite previous tensions with Trump including Musk’s support for impeachment and his attacks on the administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill recent developments suggest a repaired relationship. Musk and Trump shared a handshake at the September tribute event for late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in what was widely seen as a public reconciliation after a months-long feud.

The Politico report said Musk has taken a step back from politics while also noting he has developed a strong personal relationship with the vice president.

Musk’s outlook aligns with recent comments from Trump himself. During a White House cabinet meeting on Tuesday Trump remarked that two members of his administration could form the 2028 Republican presidential ticket.

“Could be a couple of people sitting at this table.”

Trump glanced at Vice President JD Vance as he noted this. He added that he wanted their work to be carried forward.

The comments followed his October 27 statement to reporters made during a flight from Malaysia to Japan in which he deemed a Vance-Rubio ticket unstoppable.

Musk’s reengagement with Republican politics comes after an attempt to chart his own course earlier this year. His short-lived effort to launch a third political party the America Party drew criticism from Trump who dismissed it as ridiculous and warned it would only sow disruption and chaos.

Former RNC Chairman Michael Whatley expressed indifference at the time telling Breitbart News he would only be concerned if Musk moved to split the vote in a general election.

By summer’s end signs of a thaw in tensions began to emerge. In July Vice President JD Vance acknowledged he suspected Elon Musk very much wants to rejoin President Trump’s team while also noting it would ultimately be Musk’s loss if he chose not to.

Around the same time Musk posted an apology on X for some of his recent remarks about the president and reportedly called Trump personally to express regret.

The 12-year timeline Musk outlined assumes Trump completes his second term through January 2029 followed by Vance winning in 2028 and 2032. This represents the maximum continuous MAGA governance possible under constitutional term limits.

Musk’s claim about being the third most likely assassination target reflects the heightened threats facing prominent Trump allies. The tech billionaire has become a lightning rod for left-wing hatred due to his support for free speech and conservative causes.

His decision to appear virtually rather than in person demonstrates he takes the security threats seriously. Speaking from a dark undisclosed location adds to the sense of danger surrounding high-profile MAGA figures.

The reconciliation between Musk and Trump following their feud shows both men prioritize the movement over personal disagreements. Their handshake at the Charlie Kirk memorial event symbolized unity heading into the 2028 planning phase.

Trump’s comments about two cabinet members forming the 2028 ticket combined with his glance at Vance make the succession plan obvious. The president wants continuity and Vance represents that future.

The Vance-Rubio ticket Trump mentioned during his October flight suggests multiple scenarios for 2028. Whether Rubio serves as vice president or takes another role the combination represents experienced MAGA leadership.

Musk’s development of a strong personal relationship with Vance positions him well for continued influence. If Vance wins two terms Musk could remain a key advisor through 2037.

The America Party fiasco earlier this year showed Musk learning that working within the Republican Party makes more sense than starting from scratch. Trump’s dismissal of the idea helped bring Musk back into the fold.