Let’s all do a dramatic studying of Trump and Musk’s imply posts

Donald Trump and Elon Musk, two of 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 undecided how critical it’s.

Let’s again up. Starting last week, Musk started making escalating offended remarks concerning the Huge Lovely Invoice that eradicated the EV tax credit. Trump, unusually tactful, did not respond. That 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 upset with Elon,” who “knew this invoice higher than anybody.”

“Elon and I had an incredible relationship. I don’t know if we’ll 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 nearly nobody in Congress might even learn it!” He went on to say that without 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 He retweeted outdated clips of himself saying that the federal deficit wanted to come back down, and put up a ballot: “Is it time to create a brand new political occasion in America that truly 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 p.c 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. It’s also deeply petty. However a authorities contractor, one whose enterprise empire is extraordinarily depending on federal contracts, posting concerning the deficit is serving up a pleasant volley. Trump spiked it.

“The best manner to economize in our Funds, Billions and Billions of {Dollars}, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” Trump wrote on Reality Social. “I used to be at all times shocked Biden didn’t do it.” Trump additionally stated he’d requested Musk to go away authorities, and Musk “simply went CRAZY!”

I’d query the usage of “went” in that sentence however positive. That’s a reasonably actionable risk. (Additionally jawboning, although at this level who’s maintaining observe?) It could in all probability fuck up what’s left of NASA in a reasonably important manner, however no matter.

Musk responded, “Go forward, make my day.” Then, he posted, “Time to drop the actually large bomb: @realDonaldTrump is within the Epstein recordsdata. That’s the actual motive they haven’t been made public.” Musk has also dined with Epstein, and has been subpoenaed for documents in an Epstein-related lawsuit.

Then, simply after the market closed, Musk posted, “In gentle 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 House Station.

Who’s profitable? Effectively, Tesla inventory declined 14 p.c in the present day, closing at $284.70. Trump can damage Musk imminently, and never simply with the spending invoice. Musk, The Washington Submit reported, started his profession within the US by working here illegally. That would probably complicate his naturalization and create grounds for the Trump authorities to strip him of his citizenship, and presumably 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 test, and will select to not after this contretemps. He additionally has sufficient cash to fund major challenges everywhere in the nation, in addition to have interaction in aggressive lobbying in opposition to the invoice — or any future pet Trump undertaking. If SpaceX contracts are canceled, that 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 12 months now. The present beef includes a number of public data. (Trump was known to be pals with Epstein; Musk’s allegation that it’s why the recordsdata weren’t launched is new.) I ponder what sort of dust they’ve on one another from spending all that point collectively, and I ponder how a lot destruction that data might wreak.

In the meantime, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are attempting to subpoena Musk. Nancy Mace (R-SC) suspended the hearing to give Republicans time to arrive and vote in opposition to the subpoena. Ought to Trump demand it, it’s simple to think about one other vote occurring — one which hauls Musk in entrance of Congress.

Additionally, an alleged member of Musk’s coterie of baby 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, however it appears the meltdowns are simply starting. Proper now, we’re watching two males with leverage over one another combat with obscure threats and public data. However that combat simply retains escalating, and the stakes couldn’t be greater.

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