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

Donald Trump and Elon Musk, two of probably 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 individuals, together with one another, earlier than turning round and dealing with them. But that is actual; threats are being made. I’m simply unsure how critical it’s.

Let’s again up. Starting final week, Musk started making escalating offended remarks in regards to the Big Beautiful Bill that eradicated the EV tax credit. Trump, unusually tactful, didn’t reply. That could have been as a result of Musk has not but donated $100 million he promised to a Trump-owned PAC. This morning, Trump stated he was “very disillusioned with Elon,” who “knew this invoice higher than anybody.”

“Elon and I had a terrific relationship. I don’t know if we are going to 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 at nighttime so quick that nearly nobody in Congress might even learn it!” He went on to say that with out 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 social gathering in America that truly represents the 80% within the center?” The ballot is, as of this writing, pinned to Musk’s profile. “Yes” is within the lead with 83 % of the votes.

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

“The easiest method to save cash in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I used to be all the time stunned Biden didn’t do it.” Trump additionally stated he’d requested Musk to go away authorities, and Musk “simply went CRAZY!”

I might query the usage of “went” in that sentence however positive. That’s a reasonably actionable risk. (Also jawboning, although at this level who’s preserving observe?) It would in all probability fuck up what’s left of NASA in a reasonably important means, however no matter.

Musk responded, “Go forward, make my day.” Then, he posted, “Time to drop the actually large bomb: @actualDonaldTrump is within the Epstein recordsdata. That is the true purpose they haven’t been made public.” Musk has additionally dined with Epstein, and has been subpoenaed for paperwork in an Epstein-related lawsuit.

Then, simply after the market closed, Musk posted, “In gentle of the President’s assertion about cancellation of my authorities contracts, @SpaceX will start decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft instantly.” The SpaceX Dragon is used to fly cargo and crew to the International Space Station.

Who’s profitable? Well, Tesla inventory declined 14 % at present, closing at $284.70. Trump can damage Musk imminently, and never simply with the spending invoice. Musk, The Washington Post reported, started his profession within the US by working right here illegally. That might probably 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, however, hasn’t despatched that $100 million verify, and will select to not after this contretemps. He additionally has sufficient cash to fund main challenges all around the nation, in addition to interact in aggressive lobbying in opposition to the invoice — or any future pet Trump undertaking. If SpaceX contracts are canceled, that will strand some army satellites, too.

As if that isn’t sufficient, the 2 of them have been thick as thieves for no less than a 12 months now. The present beef entails a whole lot of public data. (Trump was recognized to be buddies with Epstein; Musk’s allegation that it’s why the recordsdata weren’t launched is new.) I’m wondering what sort of dust they’ve on one another from spending all that point collectively, and I’m wondering how a lot destruction that data might wreak.

Meanwhile, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee try to subpoena Musk. Nancy Mace (R-SC) suspended the listening to to provide Republicans time to reach and vote in opposition to the subpoena. Should Trump demand it, it’s straightforward to think about one other vote taking place — one which hauls Musk in entrance of Congress.

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

May is over, however it appears the meltdowns are simply starting. Right now, we’re watching two males with leverage over one another combat with obscure threats and public data. But that combat simply retains escalating, and the stakes couldn’t be larger.

Update, June fifth: Adds Musk submit about decommissioning the Dragon spacecraft.