The recent clashes between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Thursday are just the beginning of a heated conflict that could potentially worsen for Musk. Trump seems to be using Musk as a convenient scapegoat for the unpopular DOGE, which promised $2 trillion in government savings. This rift is more severe than Trump’s usual disagreements with former loyalists, as Musk’s misstep was forgetting his role as an advisor to Trump, not the primary figure he perceived himself to be.
Despite Musk’s immense wealth, his position is more fragile than perceived, with the bulk of his worth tied to Tesla’s overvalued stock. Tesla’s stock plummeted 14% in a single day, indicating a possible further decline. While Musk may believe he holds power over Trump, the reality is that Trump has significant leverage over Musk due to his businesses’ reliance on federal support.
The deteriorating relationship between Musk and Trump may not end well for either party, as both seem unwilling to back down. Musk’s defiance has been a hallmark of his career, but this clash with Trump could lead to a downfall for the world’s wealthiest man.