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. However that is actual; threats are being made. I’m simply unsure how critical it’s.

Let’s again up. Beginning final week, Musk started making escalating indignant remarks in regards to the Huge Lovely Invoice that eradicated the EV tax credit. Trump, unusually tactful, didn’t reply. 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 stated he was “very disillusioned with Elon,” who “knew this invoice higher than anybody.”

“Elon and I had an ideal 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 the hours of darkness so quick that just about 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 He retweeted outdated clips of himself saying that the federal deficit wanted to return down, and put up a ballot: “Is it time to create a brand new political social gathering in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 really 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 it is a reality-TV squabble enjoying out on social media. Additionally it is deeply petty. However 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 best means to economize in our Price range, Billions and Billions of {Dollars}, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” Trump wrote on Reality Social. “I used to be all the time shocked Biden didn’t do it.” Trump additionally stated 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 preserving monitor?) It might in all probability fuck up what’s left of NASA in a fairly important means, 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 information. That’s the actual purpose they haven’t been made public.” Musk has additionally dined with Epstein, and has been subpoenaed for docs in an Epstein-related lawsuit.

Then, simply after the market closed, Musk posted, “In mild 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 Worldwide Area Station.

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

Musk, alternatively, hasn’t despatched that $100 million examine, and will select to not after this contretemps. He additionally has sufficient cash to fund main challenges everywhere in the nation, in addition to have interaction in aggressive lobbying towards the invoice — or any future pet Trump venture. If SpaceX contracts are canceled, which will strand some navy satellites, too.

As if that isn’t sufficient, the 2 of them have been thick as thieves for at the very least a yr now. The present beef includes lots of public info. (Trump was recognized to be friends with Epstein; Musk’s allegation that it’s why the information 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 info might wreak.

In the meantime, Democrats on the Home Oversight Committee are trying to subpoena Musk. Nancy Mace (R-SC) suspended the listening to to offer Republicans time to reach and vote towards 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 child mamas has chosen to weigh in on Twitter. Ashley St. Clair, who’s presently engaged in a paternity go well with with Musk, wrote on X, “hey @realDonaldTrump lmk if u want any breakup recommendation.”

Might is over, but it surely appears the meltdowns are simply starting. Proper now, we’re watching two males with leverage over one another combat with obscure threats and public info. However that combat simply retains escalating, and the stakes couldn’t be greater.

Up to date 4:15PM ET June fifth: Provides Musk publish about decommissioning the Dragon spacecraft.