Latest news with #MuskVsTrump
The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
Musk was Trump's tweeter-in-chief. Now he's using X against him
Elon Musk's X profile is like a window into his psyche: an inescapable stream of consciousness where impulsive tweets reveal his unfiltered thoughts and shifting moods. Musk harnessed his social media platform to propel Donald Trump to the White House, feeding anti-Democrat content and election conspiracy theories to his followers. Now Musk is turning that same platform – home to nearly 600 million monthly users – against him. After posting earlier in the week that Trump's signature budget policy was a 'disgusting abomination' that will 'drive America into debt slavery', the billionaire is openly taunting Trump on X, even calling for his impeachment. An analysis of Musk's tweets by The Independent shows that Musk has undergone a dramatic shift in both the tone and volume of his posts since his initial support of Trump in mid-2024 to when he began distancing himself from his governmental duties earlier this year – weeks before the White House announced his Washington tenure had finished. And now the platform has chronicled the rise and fall of the world's most powerful bromance. Musk began tweeting incessantly after he publicly endorsed Trump in July last year following the first attempt on the president's life in Butler, Pennsylvania. Then, once Musk was tapped in November to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, he emerged as Trump's tweeter-in-chief. Despite his new White House commitments, not to mention running six companies – including SpaceX, Tesla, and X itself – Musk appeared more glued to his keyboard than ever, using the platform as his primary news source, and place to share his views and stir up controversy. The first 50 days of the Trump administration arguably marked Musk's most fervent display of support for the president, both in terms of tweet content and frequency. On February 7, he mused that, 'I love @realDonaldTrump as much as a straight man can love another man.' Take President's Day, February 17, his most prolific 24-hour posting spell to date. Musk posted 262 times, according to The Independent 's analysis, with messages ranging from single emojis to lengthy missives attacking Democrats. All told, the posting spree equated to one message every five-and-a-half minutes, with no breaks. Musk had a busy Q1 — between January 20 and March 10, he posted 6,778 times – averaging more than 135 X posts per day. And he stayed on message, tweeting about his government-slashing force DOGE more than any other topic in that period, quickly followed by 'Trump' and 'president.' Social media analytics firms like Social Blade were forced to stop tracking tweets after X said these businesses had to pay for an Enterprise subscription, at $42,000 to $210,000 a month. The resulting gap has made transparency on X murkier than ever; and is also why The Independent could only analyze Musk's posts until mid-March. In early spring, Musk's public pledges of MAGA allegiance and trollish squibs began to slow down, and the subjects of his posts moved from Trump administration duties to his own commercial interests. Buyers of his electric vehicles protested against his shift to right-wing politics and efforts to dismantle federal departments, with Tesla's stock price plummeting, and a Rome dealership set ablaze. In April, Musk announced plans to significantly reduce his involvement with DOGE, opting to work remotely and allocate more time to Tesla. A month later, Musk's X daily posts at points reached single figures. In hindsight, it might be considered the calm before the storm. By the end of May, Musk came off the platform to deliver a gut punch to the Trump administration. He told NBC News that Trump's showpiece tax bill 'undermines' the work done by DOGE, without directly mentioning the president. Musk landed a heavy blow on Tuesday, blasting the president's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' as an 'outrageous, pork-filled, disgusting abomination.' But it was after a press conference with the German Chancellor where Trump said he was 'disappointed' with Musk's comments, that Musk went on his most destructive X rampage yet — calling Trump ungrateful, calling for his impeachment and saying he's linked to Jeffrey Epstein. And these claims get read and spread by a wide audience: his Thursday post declaring 'Trump would have lost the election' if it weren't for his support garnered nearly 15 million views in a single day. This is more than just a playground spat between the two rich powerful men, because Musk's ownership of X allows him to reach a vast audience, some of whom are skeptical of mainstream media, and control a narrative — and his posts have been known to set off market reactions, media cycles, and political waves. Those who have stuck with X, whether they are one of Musk's 220 million followers or not, have been inundated with his musings and attacks morning, noon, and night. Musk is believed to selectively issue suspensions and use algorithms to throttle foes that are critical of both him and his ventures. According to the tech news site Platformer, the self-styled 'free speech absolutist' directed a team of 80 engineers to amplify his own tweets over others, ensuring they reach vast audiences (he allegedly did the same for Trump in November). Musk has subsequently blurred the line between platform owner, political provocateur and propagandist. How will he next use X to punish the social media-reliant, legacy media-averse president?
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump will come out on top in his battle with Musk
In the end it was always bound to get messy – how could it not? Two bombastic billionaires aligned by ambition and imperiousness – an unlikely bromance fuelled by an unquenchable attraction to both legitimacy and impunity. But here we are – barely four months after joining him in the Oval Office, Tesla-chief Elon Musk has not merely fallen out with his presidential benefactor: he's taking their battle public. On Thursday, Musk – now finished leading Trump's cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency – 'went nuclear,' as the New York Post phrased it, accusing the president of covering up his cameo in the infamous Jeffrey Epstein sex-crimes saga. 'Time to drop the really big bomb,' posted Musk on Twitter Thursday afternoon. 'That is the real reason they have not been made public,' he added as he teased an Epstein-related bombshell. The daggers come as Musk takes aim at Trump's massive One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which bundles together much of the president's key legislative objectives. The bill has already passed in the House, but Musk wants Congress to 'kill it.' His beef: among other provisions, the ending of tax credits for electric vehicles (like Musk-made Teslas) which was approved by former president Joe Biden. As both Trump and Musk know well, the truth around the Epstein affair matters far less than the fact that the two men are fighting about it. Even if Musk uncovers some sort of sexual salaciousness, it's unlikely to matter – both to Trump, nor his base, who are fully aware of (and unbothered by) the President's messy amorous history. What really matters is Trump – both his tendency for prolonged distractions (such as Musk!) and his zeal for heart-daggering retribution. Still Musk, despite lacking presidential powers, cannot be easily taken down – after all his perch exists because the president placed him there. But neither can Musk simply dismiss Trump outright. Ever skilful with a threat, Trump has already warned that he could withhold 'billion and billions of dollars' in federal funding for Musk-related companies, such as Tesla and Space X. Little doubt Trump could easily identify billions more. But cutting Musk's cash flow won't come without consequence: SpaceX, for instance, forms much of the transport network needed to maintain the International Space Station. Yet Trump's barbs matter just as much – Tesla's stock sank nearly 10 per cent on Thursday in response to the Trump-Musk kerfuffle. Considering the stock is already trading 40 per cent below its 52-week high, Musk could face internal pressure to tone things down if his feud with the president deepens. It likely will – at least in the short term. After all, neither Trump nor Musk shy away from conflict and both view adversarialism as a necessary tool of conquest. Both certainly have the required ammunition – billions of dollars, wholly-owned social media platforms and eager, sycophantic fan bases. But Trump – clear-eyed against Musk's alleged drug-taking – will likely wind up the winner. Having poured hundreds of millions of dollars into Trump's campaign, Musk clearly craves a return on his investment. He had one when he was hanging in the Oval, but now cast adrift he's clearly resentful and seeking vengeance. Trump, however, wants nothing nor really needs nothing from Musk – except, when the time comes, to simply be left alone. For men like Musk and Trump – consumed with attention and approval – indifference may prove the most potent poison of all. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Trump will come out on top in his battle with Musk
In the end it was always bound to get messy – how could it not? Two bombastic billionaires aligned by ambition and imperiousness – an unlikely bromance fuelled by an unquenchable attraction to both legitimacy and impunity. But here we are – barely four months after joining him in the Oval Office, Tesla-chief Elon Musk has not merely fallen out with his presidential benefactor: he's taking their battle public. On Thursday, Musk – now finished leading Trump's cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency – 'went nuclear,' as the New York Post phrased it, accusing the president of covering up his cameo in the infamous Jeffrey Epstein sex-crimes saga. 'Time to drop the really big bomb,' posted Musk on Twitter Thursday afternoon. 'That is the real reason they have not been made public,' he added as he teased an Epstein-related bombshell. The daggers come as Musk takes aim at Trump's massive One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which bundles together much of the president's key legislative objectives. The bill has already passed in the House, but Musk wants Congress to 'kill it.' His beef: among other provisions, the ending of tax credits for electric vehicles (like Musk-made Teslas) which was approved by former president Joe Biden. As both Trump and Musk know well, the truth around the Epstein affair matters far less than the fact that the two men are fighting about it. Even if Musk uncovers some sort of sexual salaciousness, it's unlikely to matter – both to Trump, nor his base, who are fully aware of (and unbothered by) the President's messy amorous history. What really matters is Trump – both his tendency for prolonged distractions (such as Musk!) and his zeal for heart-daggering retribution. Still Musk, despite lacking presidential powers, cannot be easily taken down – after all his perch exists because the president placed him there. But neither can Musk simply dismiss Trump outright. Ever skilful with a threat, Trump has already warned that he could withhold 'billion and billions of dollars' in federal funding for Musk-related companies, such as Tesla and Space X. Little doubt Trump could easily identify billions more. But cutting Musk's cash flow won't come without consequence: SpaceX, for instance, forms much of the transport network needed to maintain the International Space Station. Yet Trump's barbs matter just as much – Tesla's stock sank nearly 10 per cent on Thursday in response to the Trump-Musk kerfuffle. Considering the stock is already trading 40 per cent below its 52-week high, Musk could face internal pressure to tone things down if his feud with the president deepens. It likely will – at least in the short term. After all, neither Trump nor Musk shy away from conflict and both view adversarialism as a necessary tool of conquest. Both certainly have the required ammunition – billions of dollars, wholly-owned social media platforms and eager, sycophantic fan bases. But Trump – clear-eyed against Musk's alleged drug-taking – will likely wind up the winner. Having poured hundreds of millions of dollars into Trump's campaign, Musk clearly craves a return on his investment. He had one when he was hanging in the Oval, but now cast adrift he's clearly resentful and seeking vengeance. Trump, however, wants nothing nor really needs nothing from Musk – except, when the time comes, to simply be left alone. For men like Musk and Trump – consumed with attention and approval – indifference may prove the most potent poison of all.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
End Of Trump-Musk Bromance Triggers Hilarious Social Media Memes
The conflict between the US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk have given online users a field day, with hilarious memes flooding social media platforms. It all started when Mr Musk, after quitting the US government, opposed Mr Trump's announcement of a sweeping tax cut and spending bill, calling it a "disgusting abomination". The legislation would curtail subsidies that benefit Tesla, owned by Mr Musk. It has passed the House and is currently under debate in the Senate. "I'm sorry, but I just can't stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it," Mr Musk had posted on X. It then snowballed into a major row with both Mr Trump and Mr Musk trading insults in public. Mr Musk levelled several accusations against the US President as he said on X (formerly Twitter) that Mr Trump is in the Epstein files, which is the real reason why "they have not been made public". The Tesla owner said in one of the posts that the "truth will come out" in the future. Mr Trump, on his part, said Musk "knew the inner workings of this bill" and "all of a sudden he had a problem". The users, meanwhile, are having a field day. One X user referred to it as a blockbuster movie, captioning, "It's great that Musk Vs Trump is free-to-air and not pay-per-view, so we can all enjoy it. #MuskVsTrump". Another compared the feud with the rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar's drama and teenage frenemies of "Mean Girls". One meme showed a Tesla car burning in front of Trump Plaza. Another viral meme was an edited image from a scene of The Simpsons depicting the Musk vs Trump drama. It's happening! @elonmusk vs @realDonaldTrump We're back to Trump Plaza baby to see the MAGA Powers EXPLODE!!!!! #ElonMusk #muskvstrump #DonaldTrump #MAGA — Hooked On Wrestling (@HOWrestlingUK) June 5, 2025 I'll leave this here… #muskvstrump — Nunzio Presta (@nunziopresta) June 5, 2025 It's great that Musk Vs Trump is free-to-air and not pay-per-view, so we can all enjoy it. #MuskVsTrump — Joe (@MrJoeGooch) June 5, 2025 The current state of global Geopolitics. #muskvstrump — Tull McAdoo (@TullMcAdoo) June 5, 2025 OK, we need a Trump/Musk meme thread — Pepel Klaasa (@pepel_klaasa) June 5, 2025 Seems like a great time to pull out this meme again 🤣 #muskvstrump — Deb🐝 🇸🇬 (@intjgamergirl) June 5, 2025 End of the Trump-Musk relationship? As the drama unfolds after Mr Musk's departure from the administration last week, it shows a tectonic shift in the relationship between Mr Trump and Mr Musk, the world's richest, who helped Republicans win the presidential election last year by spending at least $250 million in the campaign.
Washington Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Washington Post
Musk used X to boost Trump. Now he's wielding it against him.
For almost a year, Elon Musk marshalled the full force of X, his $45 billion social media platform, to boost Donald Trump's political fortunes and second presidency. On Thursday, as the two men publicly fought in a flurry of furious online posts, Musk revealed X to be a double-edged sword. Musk spent hours firing off mocking memes, curt put-downs and explosive allegations to his 220 million followers, just as he did during Trump's candidacy and as a member of his administration. Only this time, the target was Trump himself, not the president's critics. The attack deployed tactics familiar from Musk's many previous online battles. He dredged up old Trump tweets to suggest hypocrisy. He amplified posts from others critical of Trump. He accused the president of 'an obvious lie' about the cause of their falling-out and blasted him for 'ingratitude' for Musk's political support, claiming that 'without me, Trump would have lost the election.' As Trump lobbed disparaging posts back from his own social media platform, Truth Social, Musk also turned to a tactic he has used against others who have crossed him: insinuations of personal scandal. 'Time to drop the really big bomb,' Musk posted. Trump 'is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!' The tech mogul's about-face sent shockwaves through X, the social network formerly known at Twitter that Musk acquired in 2022. His attack on Trump tested the loyalty of politicians and influencers active on the site, who scrambled to choose sides. And it set up a titanic political battle for the attention era: A pair of very online billionaires duking it out in public, each with his own social network and millions of acolytes ready to amplify his every post. Thursday's online drama underscored that while Musk's stewardship of X made it into a powerful tool for his allies and the conservative movement, he feels free to wrench it in whatever new direction he pleases. When he acquired Twitter, Musk drove some users and advertisers away from the platform by putting his personal views ahead of business concerns, loosening speech rules and reinstating accounts banned for harassment or spreading misinformation. His fight with Trump proved again that he is willing to risk an exodus of users — this time from the right — by using the platform as a bully pulpit. Trump commands an actual military, but Musk oversees the larger digital horde. He has 220 million X followers, while Trump has 100 million on X and another 10 million on Truth Social, where he has lately become more prolific than he ever was on Twitter. Musk also controls X's moderation policies and its algorithm, both of which he has used at times to boost his own reach and silence his critics. Musk's power to direct attention on X has helped drive the emergence of an ecosystem of pseudonymous conservative political and tech influencers. Many have built followings in the millions on X by praising Musk, denigrating his rivals and trumpeting his agenda. They've been rewarded with amplification from Musk and a cut of X ad revenue. All those advantages were arrayed in Trump's favor after Musk endorsed his candidacy on X less than an hour after Trump survived an attempted assassination in July. Musk donned a MAGA hat in his profile image, held an hourslong live audio event on X with Trump and posted fake AI-generated images of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in communist regalia. On more than one occasion, pro-Harris accounts found themselves throttled or temporarily suspended, leading some Democrats to cry foul. As Musk's U.S. DOGE Service, or Department of Government Efficiency, swept through Washington in February at Trump's behest, X became a digital command center of the new administration. Musk used it to amplify claims of waste and corruption, some of them unfounded, at the agencies and programs he targeted for elimination. He baited critics with memes of himself as the Godfather and polled his followers on what DOGE should cut next. Now it's Trump that Musk is trolling, after ending his government service a long way short of his stated goal of cutting $2 trillion in federal spending. He sent warning shots on Tuesday, calling Trump's massive tax and immigration bill — the president's top domestic priority — a 'disgusting abomination.' The conflict escalated in a hurry on Thursday after Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that his 'great relationship' with Musk might be over. Over the following hours, Musk accused Trump and other Republican leaders of betraying their principles and approvingly reposted criticisms of them from other accounts. That can have ripple effects across X as users vie to craft posts that will win a reply or amplification from Musk that can boost their own followings. At one point Musk posted a poll asking his 220 million followers if it was time to 'create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle.' Six hours into the 24-hour poll, the votes leaned heavily toward 'Yes.' Traffic to X surely spiked on Thursday as political and tech insiders became glued to the conflict and citizens were left to wonder what it meant for the world's richest person to be at war with its most politically powerful. How the feud will affect Musk's influence and business empire is less certain. Tesla and SpaceX, his most valuable companies, depend heavily on government regulation and contracts, making them vulnerable to attacks by Trump and his administration. Tesla stock fell Thursday as investors appeared to fear retribution. Public spats between influencers are great for engagement on social platforms. But if the acrimony continues, Musk may have to reckon again with an exodus of users repelled by his politics. His embrace of Trump sent liberals scurrying to Meta's Threads and upstart Bluesky. His split with the president could give Trump an opening to lure more conservatives to Truth Social. On Thursday, some X influencers appeared to have calculated they had better prospects by sticking with Musk. An account called DogeDesigner with 41 million followers posted that Musk 'sacrificed a lot for Trump' and deserved better treatment. Just last week, Musk had sent it a heart emoji for a post promoting his alliance with the president. Another account called Shibetoshi Nakamoto mused, 'can i finally say that trump's tariffs are super stupid.' In a battle between Musk and Trump, 'My money's on Elon,' conservative commentator Ian Miles Cheong wrote, adding that 'Trump should be impeached and Vance should replace him.' Musk reposted it to his followers, adding only: 'Yes.'
