Trump vs Musk: Power Struggle Unfolds on X Platform as Former Allies Turn Rivals

A Fractured Alliance

The relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk has deteriorated into a series of social media attacks, primarily across X (formerly Twitter) and Truth Social, following Musk’s exit from the second Trump administration and his criticisms of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Escalating Tensions

The conflict reached new heights when Elon Musk made explosive posts on X, including serious allegations connecting Trump to Jeffrey Epstein’s files – claims that the White House has disputed. These posts were later deleted.

While Trump maintains presidential power with constant media access, Musk wields significant influence through his larger social media presence and has shown a willingness to engage in increasingly confrontational exchanges.

Platform Dynamics

The platform X has faced its own challenges, with Fidelity estimating that its value has plummeted by nearly 80% since Musk’s acquisition. Usage statistics from Sensor Tower indicate that X’s daily active users globally were 28% lower in September compared to pre-Musk ownership.

Recent Developments

In a surprising turn of events, Musk has recently expressed regret about some of his posts regarding President Trump, acknowledging that they “went too far”. Meanwhile, tensions continue as Trump reportedly excluded Musk from a recent White House tech summit that included other Silicon Valley leaders such as Tim Cook, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman.

Future Implications

The conflict has spawned new political movements, with Trump allies launching the Full Support for Donald PAC to counter Musk’s influence. In response, Musk has threatened to financially support any anti-Trump Congressional candidate, regardless of party affiliation.