Let’s all do a dramatic studying of Trump and Musk’s imply posts

Donald Trump and Elon Musk, two of the most media-addled personalities of our time, are publicly torching their relationship by posting on the general public social media networks they every respectively personal. I’ve seen theories that that is kayfabe, and I don’t purchase it. Trump and Musk have publicly shit-talked folks, together with one another, earlier than turning round and dealing with them. However that is actual; threats are being made. I’m simply unsure how critical it’s.

Let’s again up. Starting last week, Musk started making escalating indignant remarks concerning the Massive Lovely Invoice that eradicated the EV tax credit. Trump, unusually tactful, did not respond. Which will have been as a result of Musk has not but donated $100 million he promised to a Trump-owned PAC. This morning, Trump mentioned he was “very disenchanted with Elon,” who “knew this invoice higher than anybody.”

“Elon and I had an amazing relationship. I don’t know if we’ll anymore,” Trump added.

Trump had hardly completed talking when Musk went on X, his social media community, to say “False, this invoice was by no means proven to me even as soon as and was handed in the dark so quick that just about nobody in Congress may even learn it!” He went on to say that without him, “Trump would have misplaced the election.”

Musk additionally unfollowed Stephen Miller on X, in addition to the pundit Charlie Kirk. He retweeted previous clips of himself saying that the federal deficit wanted to return down, and put up a ballot: “Is it time to create a brand new political occasion in America that truly represents the 80% within the center?” The ballot is, as of this writing, pinned to Musk’s profile. “Sure” is within the lead with 83 % of the votes.

Now, each of those males are wonderful at commanding consideration, and this can be a reality-TV squabble enjoying out on social media. It is usually deeply petty. However a authorities contractor, one whose enterprise empire is extraordinarily depending on federal contracts, posting concerning the deficit is serving up a pleasant volley. Trump spiked it.

“The best manner to economize in our Funds, Billions and Billions of {Dollars}, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” Trump wrote on Fact Social. “I used to be at all times shocked Biden didn’t do it.” Trump additionally mentioned he’d requested Musk to depart authorities, and Musk “simply went CRAZY!”

I might query using “went” in that sentence however positive. That’s a fairly actionable risk. (Additionally jawboning, although at this level who’s holding monitor?) It might most likely fuck up what’s left of NASA in a fairly vital manner, however no matter.

Musk responded, “Go forward, make my day.” Then, he posted, “Time to drop the actually huge bomb: @realDonaldTrump is within the Epstein recordsdata. That’s the actual motive they haven’t been made public.” Musk has also dined with Epstein, and has been subpoenaed for documents in an Epstein-related lawsuit.

Who’s successful? Properly, Tesla inventory declined 14 % at the moment, closing at $284.70. Trump can harm Musk imminently, and never simply with the spending invoice. Musk, The Washington Put up reported, started his profession within the US by working here illegally. That would doubtlessly complicate his naturalization and create grounds for the Trump authorities to strip him of his citizenship, and presumably even deport him again to South Africa. Would that be authorized? It appears fairly clear that ICE doesn’t care.

Musk, then again, hasn’t despatched that $100 million verify, and should select to not after this contretemps. He additionally has sufficient cash to fund main challenges all around the nation, in addition to have interaction in aggressive lobbying in opposition to the invoice — or any future pet Trump undertaking. If SpaceX contracts are canceled, which will strand some army satellites, too.

As if that isn’t sufficient, the 2 of them have been thick as thieves for at the least a 12 months now. The present beef entails numerous public data. (Trump was known to be pals with Epstein; Musk’s allegation that it’s why the recordsdata weren’t launched is new.) I ponder what sort of filth they’ve on one another from spending all that point collectively, and I ponder how a lot destruction that data may wreak.

In the meantime, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are attempting to subpoena Musk. Nancy Mace (R-SC) suspended the hearing to give Republicans time to arrive and vote in opposition to the subpoena. Ought to Trump demand it, it’s straightforward to think about one other vote taking place — one which hauls Musk in entrance of Congress.

Additionally, an alleged member of Musk’s coterie of baby mamas has chosen to weigh in on Twitter. Ashley St. Clair, who’s at the moment engaged in a paternity swimsuit with Musk, wrote on X, “hey @realDonaldTrump lmk if u want any breakup recommendation.”

Might is over, nevertheless it appears the meltdowns are simply starting. Proper now, we’re watching two males with leverage over one another battle with imprecise threats and public data. However that battle simply retains escalating, and the stakes couldn’t be increased.