Let’s all do a dramatic reading of Trump and Musk’s mean 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 undecided how critical it’s.

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

“Elon and I had a terrific 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 nighttime so quick that just about nobody in Congress may 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 previous 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 social gathering 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 % of the votes.

Now, each of those males are wonderful at commanding consideration, and it is a reality-TV squabble taking part in out on social media. It’s also 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 method 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 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 certain. That’s a reasonably actionable menace. (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 vital method, however no matter.

Musk responded, “Go forward, make my day.” Then, he posted, “Time to drop the actually massive bomb: @realDonaldTrump is within the Epstein recordsdata. That’s the actual purpose they haven’t been made public.” Musk has additionally dined with Epstein, and has been subpoenaed for paperwork 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 successful? Effectively, Tesla inventory declined 14 % as we speak, closing at $284.70. Trump can harm Musk imminently, and never simply with the spending invoice. Musk, The Washington Put up reported, started his profession within the US by working right here illegally. That might doubtlessly 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, however, hasn’t despatched that $100 million examine, 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 challenge. 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 no less than a 12 months now. The present beef entails a whole lot of public info. (Trump was recognized to be friends with Epstein; Musk’s allegation that it’s why the recordsdata weren’t launched is new.) I’m wondering what sort of filth they’ve on one another from spending all that point collectively, and I’m wondering how a lot destruction that info may wreak.

In the meantime, Democrats on the Home Oversight Committee are trying to subpoena Musk. Nancy Mace (R-SC) suspended the listening to to provide Republicans time to reach and vote in opposition to the subpoena. Ought to Trump demand it, it’s straightforward to think about one other vote occurring — 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 at present engaged in a paternity go well with with Musk, wrote on X, “hey @realDonaldTrump lmk if u want any breakup recommendation.”

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

Replace, June fifth: Provides Musk put up about decommissioning the Dragon spacecraft.