Slugfest: The Harmful Rivalry between Trump and Musk
- ~4-minute read
Verbal sparring between Trump and Musk hurts both parties' reputations. - Trump and Musk's mudslinging exhibition causing damage to their respective reputations
Elon Musk, the wealthiest man globally, finds himself on the uninvited list for White House galas - all thanks to his heated feud with President Donald Trump. This clash, dominating headlines, could bring significant damage to both men if they don't resolve their differences soon.
On one side, we have Trump - a president known for an unprecedented urge to wield power against his adversaries. On the other, Musk - a business tycoon who controls significant sectors of the American economy and aerospace industry.
"I haven't witnessed two individuals of this caliber fighting so violently," says Chaim Siegel, chief analyst at Elazar Advisors, a New York-based financial services firm. "It ain't good for either." But, the spectacle, dubbed by US media as a "titanic battle," has high entertainment value. "Pop some popcorn," jokes Siegel.
What's on the Line for Trump and Musk
Trump's team worries that the chaotic fallout with Musk could harm the president's legacy and the Republican Party's prospects in the upcoming midterm congressional elections in 2026. After all, Musk commands X, the primary echo chamber for Trump's MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement. Meanwhile, the administration's relationship with tech powerhouses in Silicon Valley could suffer.
Musk, too, has reasons to be concerned. Trump's threats to withdraw Musk's lucrative subsidies and government contracts could spell doom for Tesla, his electric vehicle manufacturer. Besides, $22 billion (approximately €19 billion) in public funds for SpaceX, Musk's space company, are at stake.
The feud's spark was Musk's discontent with Trump's budget proposal, which awaits Senate approval. The proposal extends tax cuts for Trump's clientele, mainly the affluent. Recently, Musk criticized the plans for escalating the national debt to unprecedented levels and bankrupting America. Trump then labeled Musk as "crazy."
No Quarter Given
The dispute once again reveals the fragility of the coalition between Trump's right-wing populist MAGA movement and Musk-friendly "tech bros," who helped secure Trump's second term with their financial contributions and podcasts. Today, the question is Team Trump or Team Musk.
The fight is no-holds-barred: Trump's ex-advisor Steve Bannon is calling for the deportation of the South African-born Musk. Odd reports about Musk's alleged drug abuse have surfaced, while previously, Musk dared the unthinkable - he supported a Twitter user's call for Trump's impeachment.
Republican congressmen are growing increasingly concerned and call for a truce between the two. "I hope this gets settled quickly, for the country's sake," said Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, to CNBC.
Musk Contemplates a New Political Party
Trump's Party Braces for Influence Loss. Musk joined the MAGA movement about a year ago and backed it during the election with an estimated $280 million. In exchange, Trump made him a special advisor and assigned him critical government reforms, sparking bipartisan criticism. Musk resigned from the advisory role in late May.
For the 2026 midterm congressional elections, Musk has promised another $100 million. However, its realization remains uncertain.
Musk used his megaphone, Twitter, for a sort of vote of no confidence against Trump. "Should America have a new political party that truly represents the 80% in the middle?" he wondered his 220 million followers. The response from over 5.6 million voters was clear: Around 80% agreed.
Donald TrumpElon MuskUS PresidentUnited States
- The ongoing feud between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, known as the "titanic battle," has the potential to impact both men's legacies and politics, especially with midterm elections approaching in 2026.
- In the general news and politics sphere, the clash between the two powerful figures, Musk and Trump, could lead to significant policy and legislation changes, given the influence they wield in the American economy and aerospace industry.
- As the rift between Trump and Musk deepens, crime and justice issues may come to light, such as allegations of drug abuse against Musk and Steve Bannon's call for Musk's deportation, adding a layer of complexity to the war-and-conflicts narrative.
