Trump takes a hit from Musk, whose intervention allegedly secured Trump's electoral victory
Fresh Take:
Elon Musk and Donald Trump's Rollercoaster Relationship Hits a Low: Trump Calls Elon "Crazy"
Two days post his slam against Donald Trump's megabudget bill, Elon Musk continues his scathing criticism of the former president, claiming Donald would've lost the 2024 election without him.
By our site with AFP Published on , modified on
A week ago, Elon Musk and Donald Trump seemed like an unstoppable duo. Today, their bromance appears to be a thing of the past. Musk, in a jab at Trump's ingratitude, asserted that he would've lost the election without his backing. Initially, Trump had said he was unsure if their relationship would continue, expressing disappointment over Musk's criticisms regarding the megabudget bill. "Listen, Elon and I had a good relationship. I don't know if that’s still the case. I was surprised", he admitted to reporters in the Oval Office.
In response to Trump's White House criticism, Musk, on social media, labeled the White House's statements as "nonsense." He also denied that his anger stemmed from the loss of subsidies for electric vehicles, calling it "false." Later, Musk refuted Trump's claim that he had knowledge of the "great and beautiful law" content in advance, a term used by Trump himself.
Revisiting the Past: A Brief History of Elon and Trump's Relationship
The relationship between Trump and Musk has been a tumultuous one. Initially, Musk was critical of Trump, but after his election victory, Musk joined an economic advisory council[1][3]. However, their relationship hit a snag when Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017, prompting Musk's resignation[1][3]. In January 2022, Trump described Musk as a genius, likening him to Thomas Edison[3].
Recent Developments: A Falling Out
As Musk supported Trump during the campaign season, he was even appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with implementing drastic cuts in public spending[2]. However, their friendship soured when Musk criticized Trump's spending bill, leading to an intense feud.[2][4]
Trump retaliated by threatening to "cancel" Musk's giant contracts with the state, even questioning Musk's sanity.[2] These remarks sent Tesla's stock tumbling by 8% on the New York Stock Exchange.[2]
Looking Forward: The Implications
The feud between Trump and Musk has potential long-term implications for both their political and business endeavors. On the political front, Musk's criticism of Trump could affect Trump's alliances with influential figures in the business world. For Musk, his involvement in Trump's administration initially seemed beneficial for his businesses like Tesla and SpaceX, but the recent fallout could have potential negative consequences [1][4].
Over the years, the Musk-Trump relationship has vacillated between cooperation and conflict, reflecting broader shifts in their political and business strategies. As their feud escalates, the implications for the tech industry and U.S. politics remain uncertain.
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
The relationship between Elon Musk and Donald Trump has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by tight-knit collaboration and sharp disillusionment.
History:
- 2016 – 2017: Initially, Musk was critical of Trump. However, after Trump's election, Musk joined an advisory council (economic, later presidential). Despite this, Musk resigned in June 2017 following Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement[1][3].
- 2022: In January 2022, Trump described Musk as a genius, drawing a comparison with Thomas Edison[3].
Recent Developments:
- 2024 Election Cycle and Beyond: Initially, Musk backed Trump during the campaign. However, their relationship took a nosedive when Musk criticized Trump's spending bill, leading to a bitter feud. Trump, in response, threatened to revoke Musk's involvement in electric vehicle mandates[2].
Impact on Political and Business Endeavors:
- Political Endeavors: Musk's criticism of Trump could potentially weaken Trump's alliances with influential figures in the business world[1][2].
- Business Endeavors: For Musk, the relationship has been a delicate balance. His involvement in Trump's administration initially seemed beneficial, particularly in terms of electric vehicles. However, the recent feud has raised questions about the long-term implications for his companies[1][4].
Elon Musk and Donald Trump's once-close relationship in the realm of business and politics has been influenced by the world of entertainment and pop-culture, as their public spat on social media reflects the ongoing shifts within their alliance. In recent days, their rapport has heavily been impacted by their disagreement over the megabudget bill, escalating to a point where Trump questioned Musk's sanity and Musk labeled Trump's White House statements as "nonsense."
As celebrities and influential figures engage in heated debates on social media platforms, the discussion has expanded beyond their initial disagreement to touch upon the long-term implications for Trump's political alliances and Musk's business endeavors in the tech industry and electric vehicle sectors.
