Nah, this is a long time obsession with billionaires and likely the idea came from the top. I had a whole book long ago, before Trump was involved by an expert who consulted with the wealthy wanting to plan their survival ... maintenance of their wealth if everything collapses; and perhaps they were aware of the upcoming housing collapse which could have created a great depression... or other factors.
The problem with all their ideas as the expert pointed out; they needed staff to lord over which maintained their great wealth and power when there is no corrupt government to defend it (or to take it from them.) You see, the staff could turn on them when there isn't a robust system to protect property rights. They'd have to become partners while still agreeing to be bossed around and of lower status. A brutal control system which is reliable especially without suckers like of the "god save the king" variety.
I'm sure this is why Musk and some other billionaires are strongly into AI and robotics; which are your only reliable slaves to beat back and lord over the peasants. Musk was pretty open about his idiotic dreams of his Mars colony not being subject to any Earth laws and him being in charge etc. He's disclosed his inability to handle disagreement as well.
The Nerd Reich is currently growing now... They've got the VP of the USA already.