The Donald Trump-Elon Musk bromance: Inside the warming relationship between former POTUS and Tesla CEO
A glimpse into the blossoming friendship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk
The evolving relationship between former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk can be traced to a Sunday morning breakfast of eggs, bacon, and fruit at Nelson Peltz's Palm Beach estate. This meeting in March signified a pivotal moment where the two influential figures found common ground despite their historically tumultuous interactions. Discussing the upcoming presidential election, they shared critical perspectives on President Joe Biden's administration. The newfound camaraderie stems from Musk's apprehensions about the rise of "woke" culture and Trump's ongoing quest for reelection funds.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s previous clashes
Before their recent collaboration, Trump and Musk had a history of public disagreements. In the run-up to the 2016 presidential election, Musk voiced his disapproval of Trump, stating to CNBC that Trump lacked the "character" suitable for the presidency and favored Hillary Clinton's economic and environmental policies. Musk's stance became even more pronounced in June 2017 when Trump announced the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. In response, Musk resigned from his roles on presidential advisory boards, stating, "Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world." The tension resurfaced in July 2022 when Trump claimed Musk had voted for him, a statement Musk denied. During a rally in Alaska, Trump accused Musk of dishonesty, labeling him a "bullshit artist." Musk, in turn, tweeted that while he did not hate Trump, he believed it was time for the former president to "hang up his hat & sail into the sunset," suggesting that the legal maximum age for starting a presidential term should be 69 years, noting that Trump was 76. Despite their previous clashes, the two have now united over shared concerns about the direction of American culture and Trump's need for financial support in his reelection bid.
Donald Trump brought son Barron to meeting with Elon Musk
In a strategic move, Trump included his 18-year-old son Barron in the meeting with Musk and Peltz. This gathering at Peltz's Palm Beach estate was not just a typical breakfast but a significant event that exposed Barron to critical political and financial discussions. Also present were Peltz's son Diesel, a tech entrepreneur and friend of Musk, and Musk's 4-year-old son X with actress Grimes. Throughout Trump's presidency, Barron had been kept largely out of the public eye. Recently, Barron graduated from Florida's private Oxbridge Academy, marking a rare public appearance. Although he was announced as a delegate for the Republican National Convention, he responded by saying he was "honored to have been chosen as a delegate by the Florida Republican Party," but "regretfully declines to participate due to prior commitments."
Elon Musk’s potential 'advisory role' to counsel Donald Trump
Musk could potentially play a significant advisory role if Trump returns to the White House. Discussions have been ongoing about an advisory position for Musk in Trump's potential 2024 administration, according to reports from the Wall Street Journal. While the specifics of this role remain unclear, it could involve Musk providing input on border security and economic policies. This advisory role highlights the increasing alignment of their interests, particularly in areas where Musk's business ventures intersect with governmental policies and funding. Sources, however, told the outlet that the position hadn't been fully discussed and might not materialize.
Nelson Peltz’s role in Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s meeting
The key facilitator of this newfound alliance is billionaire Nelson Peltz. Peltz, who hosted the meeting at his mansion, has a complex political history. He initially supported Trump's 2020 campaign but distanced himself after the January 6, 2021, events, later backing Ron DeSantis in the primaries before ultimately returning to support Trump once he emerged as the primary Republican contender. The meeting between Trump, Musk, and Peltz also included discussions about a "data-driven" project aimed at combating voter fraud, showcasing Peltz's ongoing influence in shaping the political landscape.
Topics of discussion between Donald Trump and Elon Musk
The conversations between Trump and Musk have become more frequent, occurring several times a month and covering a broad range of topics. According to the Wall Street Journal, these discussions have spanned immigration, technology, science, and the US Space Force. Musk's companies, such as SpaceX and Tesla, which are heavily reliant on government contracts and subsidies, are also frequently on the agenda. This is particularly notable given Trump's recent opposition to electric vehicle sales, which contrasts with Musk's business interests. Musk has also encouraged Trump to return to X (formerly Twitter), a platform from which Trump was banned following the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. The invitation highlights Musk's desire to leverage Trump's influence on social media to support their mutual interests.
