Bro-foes in throes of woes: Trump and Musk's bromance burns out
Live from Maar-aur-Lago Once upon a time, bros used to duel. Now they fling threats on social media. On the bright side, the whole world can watch the brawl in real time from the comfort of living rooms and sports bars. To be sure, it was a marriage of convenience based on mutual need. Money spent was favours earned. Scratching each other's back constituted marital bliss, and all conflicts of interest were shoved under the bed. But then it ended as so many marriages do. Of course, everyone predicted a Trump-Musk divorce. Two men with egos bursting at the seams and imbued with a deep sense they are 'transformers'-one of society, the other of technology-could hold it together for only so long.
But the story may not be over. There are too many plot lines, and things could meander towards reconciliation, or retribution, or something in between. The betting money is obviously on Trump, because the state always wins. The levers of power are in his hands even if Musk's ketamine-fuelled imagination might have persuaded him otherwise. That cover of Time magazine must have helped. The divorce could have international implications, especially for those who invested heavily in Musk's heft and proximity to Trump. Beijing is probably doing a complete damage assessment. Musk was a strong pro-China voice in the White House who could manoeuvre his way into rooms beyond his remit. Even Trump was alarmed how the billionaire was approved for a Pentagon briefing back in March on top-secret military plans against China. As the news broke, Trump intervened through his chief of staff to stop any sharing of sensitive information given Musk's vast investments in China. It's not a secret that many in Trump's inner circle don't like Musk and indulge in strategic information leaks to the press. Those outside-like Trump's once political strategist Steve Bannon-want him deported back to South Africa from where he came. Musk was seen as getting too big for his billionaire boots. He even got into a physical fight with treasury secretary Scott Bessent in the White House.Republicans are carefully staying away from the blast range. Democrats are enjoying the feud gone nuclear. Late-night comics are having fun. 'Leader of the free world fights breeder of the free world' was one take referencing Musk's many kids. Anxiety in foreign capitals is rising. How much 'reality' can people bear in this reality show presidency?It took about 8 months-from Musk pouring $275 mn into Trump's campaign and Trump declaring, 'A star is born-Elon' during his victory speech-to a crash and burn. At one stage Musk professed on X, 'I love @realdonaldtrump as much as a straight man can love another man'. Alas, it turned out to be shorter than a green card marriage. It was torrid while it lasted. Musk as 'First Buddy' was listening in on Trump's calls with foreign leaders. He did preliminary diplomatic explorations with Iran. Swaggered around at cabinet meetings, and did not wear a suit. Trump indulged him even as White House aides fumed. But finally the billionaire got into presidential hairs. The trigger was Musk's criticism of Trump's signature legislation, 'One Big, Beautiful Bill'. He called it a 'disgusting abomination' that was so 'pork-filled' it would add $2.5 tn to the deficit. He then claimed, 'Without me, Trump would have lost the election'. Hang on. How about giving some credit to Dems for ensuring Trump's victory? Trump had had enough. With the welcome 'wearing thin', he suggested ending billions in federal contracts for SpaceX as a way to save money, which the much-reviled DOGE has failed to do. The loud musings hit a nerve, and Musk dropped a bombshell-he claimed Trump was allegedly involved with the late sexual predator Jeffery Epstein. That X post has since been deleted. Trump declared Musk had gone 'crazy' because the White House had withdrawn government subsidies for EVs and tossed out his Nasa nominee. He wondered aloud whether to 'terminate' other government contracts with Musk's companies. The Tesla-Space Xer is already less rich today than when he joined the campaign.But nothing is simple in a DOGE-eat-DOGE world. If Trump really does take the axe to other Musk companies like SpaceX, America's space programme could be in trouble. At one point in the spat, Musk threatened to decommission Dragon, the spacecraft that takes astronauts to ISS and back. Then he backtracked. Incidentally, India fighter pilot Shubhanshu Shukla is scheduled to blast off aboard the Dragon this week and become the first Indian astronaut to join ISS.India should mediate between the warring parties. They could have lunch together at the Bombay Club right near the White House. Modi could happily take credit. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Will Royal Enfield's back to the future strategy woo GenZ?
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