The Rise of Larry Ellison: A Silent Power Shift
The Spanish proverb states, “it doesn’t matter how you start, it matters how you finish.” This wisdom encapsulates the changing fortunes of some of the richest individuals in the world, particularly in the context of Elon Musk and Larry Ellison.
Elon Musk’s Initial Influence
The year 2025 began with a flurry of media attention focused on Elon Musk, who had just donated approximately $280 million to Donald Trump’s re-election campaign. This generous contribution earned Musk the title of “First Buddy” to the president, positioning him as a significant influencer in the political landscape of the time.
The Shift Towards Larry Ellison
However, the dynamic between Musk and Trump quickly soured, paving the way for a more discreet figure to step in. Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, has successfully maintained a low profile while simultaneously expanding his wealth significantly during this period. By September, Ellison briefly surged past Musk as the richest person in the world, attributed to a rebound in Oracle’s stock prices alongside a downturn for Musk.
Ellison’s Strategic Moves
The Stargate Project and AI Leadership
In response to the burgeoning competition from AI initiatives in China, the U.S. government unveiled a $500 billion project dubbed the Stargate Project, intended to solidify its leadership in AI technology. At the center of this initiative was Oracle, which ensured that Ellison remained a vital player in national technological strategies.
Ellison’s cooperative approach with the Trump Administration contrasted with Musk’s more confrontational style. The Stargate project also involves the construction of massive data centers in Texas, positioning Oracle at the helm of the U.S. technological race.
The TikTok Acquisition
A notable aspect of Ellison’s influence was his pivotal role in the attempted acquisition of TikTok. His company, Oracle, formed part of a consortium that purchased a stake in TikTok, ensuring data control for U.S. users. This arrangement allowed Trump to sidestep the controversial decision to ban TikTok, preserving a crucial communications platform during an election year.
The Ellisons in Media Control
The Paramount-Warner Deal
Ellison’s influence reaches beyond technology into the realm of media. In a surprising turn, he was involved in the competitive landscape for media acquisitions, particularly in a deal concerning Paramount and Warner Bros. His son, David Ellison, CEO of Paramount, sought to acquire Warner Bros. for a whopping $108.4 billion. Larry Ellison personally guaranteed a staggering $40.4 billion for this acquisition, ensuring family involvement in significant media negotiations.
This move inadvertently consolidated control over CNN, a media outlet known for its criticism of Trump, thus enhancing Ellison’s strategic positioning in U.S. media.
The Conclusion: An Evolving Power Landscape
The fortunes of Larry Ellison and Elon Musk illustrate a broader theme: that influence can wane as quickly as it surges. As 2025 unfolds, Ellison’s quiet yet potent ascent reflects the reality that in the realm of power and wealth, the narrative is ever-changing.
While Musk’s exuberance initially captured headlines, it appears that Larry Ellison’s strategic subtleties may well redefine the influence of billionaires in American politics and economy for years to come.