The rivalry between Elon Musk and Donald Trump has escalated again, fueling fresh controversy across political, business, and tech circles. Once occasional allies, the two high-profile figures are now openly criticizing each other—mainly over the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential elections, media influence, and the future of free speech in America.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!“He’s not coming back to Twitter. I don’t want him,” Musk reportedly said in a closed forum, throwing shade at Trump’s platform, Truth Social.
On the other side, Trump has not been shy either, branding Musk “a publicity-obsessed globalist” and accusing him of secretly favoring Democrats despite his loud critiques of Biden’s policies.
From Frenemies to Open Rivals
Back in 2017, Elon Musk was part of Trump’s advisory council. But he resigned shortly after Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement. That marked the beginning of a slow-burning split between the billionaire tech mogul and the polarizing political figure.
Fast forward to 2024, and the tensions are no longer subtle:
- Musk has been critical of Trump’s return bid for the presidency, often suggesting that “America needs someone less divisive.”
- Trump, meanwhile, views Musk as a threat to his media empire and a “tech billionaire trying to control speech.”
The Elon Musk and Donald Trump clash is no longer about policy—it’s personal, public, and deeply political.
The Twitter–Truth Social Battle
Elon Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter (now X) set the stage for renewed tensions. While Musk reinstated Trump’s account after a long ban, Trump refused to tweet and remained loyal to his own platform, Truth Social.
That loyalty seems to be wearing thin, however. With Truth Social facing declining engagement and financial instability, reports suggest Trump may rejoin Twitter in the heat of the campaign trail—something Musk has resisted.
“He needs Twitter more than Twitter needs him,” Musk allegedly told insiders.
Meanwhile, Musk continues to position Twitter/X as a platform for “free speech absolutism,” while taking shots at other social networks and what he calls “Big Tech censorship.”
The 2024 Presidential Elections Factor
The 2024 U.S. elections have added fuel to the fire. Musk has been floating support for third-party candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., while Trump sees this as a sabotage of his own campaign.
This has led to Trump’s base launching online attacks on Musk, even labeling him a “deep state sympathizer.” Musk responded with memes and sarcastic tweets, refusing to back down.
The feud has important implications:
- Trump’s digital strategy depends on social media dominance.
- Musk controls one of the biggest platforms.
- Their conflict could shape the political conversation online.
Business & Influence at War
Beyond politics, this clash is also a business turf war. Elon Musk controls Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, X (formerly Twitter), and other ventures that dominate tech. Trump, through his influence and platform, controls a significant slice of right-wing America.
Their conflict represents a larger cultural battle between:
- Innovation vs. Populism
- Globalism vs. Nationalism
- Free speech vs. Controlled narrative
Trump has claimed Musk is part of the “elite” trying to subvert his movement. Musk, in turn, has accused Trump of “living in the past” and “obsessing over attention.”
The Bigger Picture
What makes this feud significant isn’t just the personalities involved, but the real-world effects:
- Twitter/X algorithm may affect election discourse.
- Musk’s statements influence global markets and public sentiment.
- Trump’s rants mobilize millions of supporters instantly.
If Trump rejoins Twitter/X, it may cause massive shifts in traffic, conversation, and controversy. But with Musk at the helm, the platform’s moderation policies are unpredictable.
Internal & Outbound Resources
Related Read on Misstajiri:
👉 Social Media and Political Power: The New Battlefield
External Resources:
👉 Trump vs. Musk: What You Need to Know – CNBC
👉 Musk on Free Speech and Politics – X.com
Final Thoughts
As the Elon Musk and Donald Trump clash deepens, it exposes the fractures in America’s political and digital culture. It’s no longer just about right vs. left—it’s about who controls the narrative, and what platforms will dominate the election landscape.
This feud will likely grow louder, sharper, and more influential as November 2024 approaches. Stay tuned—it’s going to get personal.