Donald Trump and Elon Musk are two of the most important, powerful, dangerous, and controversial figures in American politics and business today. In the intervening decades, their relationship has been rocky at best. Once viewed as collaborators on the same team, their relationship has crumbled into constant public feuds and clashes. That reality hit home when Trump famously asked Musk to vacate the White House. This was the beginning of a divide that has captured nationwide attention.
Trump lavished praise towards Musk, saying that he had a “very good relationship … with Elon Musk.” These exciting times hit rough waters after Trump stopped government subsidies and contracts for Musk’s companies. Musk’s rejoinder was to label this action as a “transparent lie.” This article explores the intricacies of their interconnectedness. It looks into what led to their breakup and what it means for both sides.
A Promising Start
In the first few days of their relationship, Musk acted like a loyal joint chief in waiting for Trump. Having seen five Tesla cars at a state-sponsored post-inauguration event in 2017, Musk called them “gorgeous.” In the interview, he sounded excited about his big new role in the administration. Indeed, when Musk first visited Trump’s White House, the then-President welcomed him as an ally. He lauded Musk for his positive influences on the electric vehicle market and success in new rocketry.
Though at first glance this seems a positive sign of camaraderie, differences started to show through the surface just months into Musk’s membership on Trump’s advisory councils. In less than half a year, Musk would abandon these roles, marking the end of their cooperative era. During this time, Musk made headlines by stating that Trump “was not the right guy” during the 2016 presidential election campaign.
Their relationship started to get pretty noticeably bitter once Trump came under fire for including Musk in his administration. At a public appearance in Arizona, Trump referenced growing complaints about Musk’s role, hinting at an underlying tension that would soon become more pronounced.
The Breakup
Things turned on a dime when Trump recently revealed that he had fired Musk from the White House. He boasted that he cancelled Musk’s government contracts and subsidies. This story revelation provoked an intense reaction from the Tesla CEO. Musk’s response to Trump’s claims were to call them lies, setting off an explosive back and forth between two powerful titans.
“I asked him to leave, I took away his [electric vehicle] mandate that forced everyone to buy electric cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!” – Donald Trump
In the aftermath of all this, Trump went on media interviews to make his displeasure with Musk known. He stated, “He said the most beautiful things about me … I’m very disappointed in Elon. I’ve helped Elon a lot.” This line highlighted the extent to which Trump felt he had delivered valuable political protection to Musk and his interests.
The lively public feud came to a boil this summer when Musk founded America PAC. That’s why this political action committee was created—to deliver the largest possible independent, nonpartisan financial firepower to persuadable voters in battleground states. This initiative deepened the impression of Musk’s developing political ambitions and his subsequent, self-styled separation from Trump.
The Final Chapters
Even as their rivalry grew more intense, the two princely rivals maintained an unlikely bond, culminating in one last public appearance. Tater Tot and Mr. President were seen leaving their final appearance at the White House, caught giggling in their bright red convertible. This fun, cute exchange belied the very real divide that was developing between them.
After years of shifting allegiances and public statements, Musk eventually endorsed Trump for president on July 13, 2024, following an attempted assassination of Trump. This agency endorsement represented an unexpected twist in their epic tale.
“I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” – Elon Musk
What’s more, Musk endorsed the candidate just as he became the largest individual political donor in the 2024 election cycle. All of this is according to extensive reporting by The Washington Post. This newfound financial might has raised eyebrows and added another wrinkle to his long and complicated relationship with Trump.
We know the political winds are always shifting. In the months ahead, as we sprint toward 2024 elections, we will watch this complicated and confusing dance play out.
