Egos, power, and revenge: 8 ways the Musk-Trump war could escalate into a clash that rocks America
1. Musk may fund campaigns against Trump
2. Musk is testing support for a new political party
3. Musk accused Trump's team of hiding Epstein files
4. Musk's post triggered political response
5. Musk threatened to shut down a key NASA spacecraft
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6. Trump wants to cut off Musk's government contracts
7. Bannon called for investigation into Musk's immigration and drug use
8. Trump could revoke Musk's security clearance and cancel his projects
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Musk gave over $250 million to support Trump before, now he might fund campaigns against Trump and Republicans instead. He called Trump's domestic bill a 'disgusting abomination' and slammed Republican leaders on his social media app, X. Musk might not give the last $100 million he promised to Trump's campaign, as per reports.On X, Musk posted a poll asking if America needs a new party that supports the 'middle 80%' and most people said 'yes.' Musk also agreed to a post that said 'Trump should be impeached', though it's not clear if he meant it fully.Musk claimed Trump's team delayed releasing Jeffrey Epstein files because they might contain Trump's name; he posted, 'The truth will come out,' as per the New York Times report.This made House Democrats jump in fast, they're now demanding answers.Musk threatened to shut down his Dragon spacecraft but later said 'ok we won't decommission Dragon' after someone on X told them to cool off, as per reports.Trump posted on Truth Social that the government should cancel all contracts with Musk's companies like SpaceX and Tesla, says it'll save money. In 2023, Musk's companies got almost $3 billion in contracts from 17 U.S. agencies.Steve Bannon said the U.S. should investigate if Musk is an illegal immigrant and deport him. Musk is a U.S. citizen from South Africa. Bannon also demanded a probe into Musk's drug use and his efforts to get military secrets about China. Bannon suggested Musk's top-secret security clearance should be taken away during these investigations, as per the New York Times report.Trump has the power to revoke Musk's clearance fully, which would mess with his space contracts with NASA. Trump could sign executive orders to punish Musk or ask federal agencies like the DOJ to launch investigations. Trump might even cancel Musk's Department of Government Efficiency idea and other projects he supports, like his support for white South Africans, as stated in New York Times reports.Because Musk spoke against Trump's policies and might stop supporting him with money or words.Trump can cancel government contracts with Musk's companies and push for legal action or investigations.
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