- President Trump and Elon Musk’s feud escalated after Musk suggested Trump should be impeached and replaced by J.D. Vance.
- Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former Trump White House strategist, says Trump fears being overshadowed by Musk’s long-term influence.
- Musk’s attacks on Trump include claims about the Epstein files, warnings of a recession, and labeling Trump a “lame-duck president.”
- GOP lawmakers are nervous about crossing Musk, who could spend heavily in their districts if they oppose his priorities.
- The feud highlights Trump’s struggles to push his legislative agenda ahead of the midterms.
Inside the Feud: What’s Really Going On
The drama between Trump and Musk heated up when Musk retweeted a post saying, “President vs. Elon. Who wins? My money’s on Elon. Trump should be impeached and J.D. Vance should replace him.” Musk added a simple “yes” in reply.
For Trump, this is personal. Griffin, who left Trump’s team over his election conspiracy theories, explained that Trump’s biggest fear is losing his grip on power. “If this bill doesn’t pass, it’s his entire legislative agenda,” she said. With the midterms approaching, Trump is under pressure to deliver.
Musk’s Attacks on Trump
Musk hasn’t held back. He’s accused Trump of being linked to Jeffrey Epstein, warned of a looming recession, and even mocked Trump’s political future. But the most damaging blow, Griffin says, is Musk calling Trump a “lame-duck president.”
“‘He’s going to be here for three and a half years, I’m here for 40 years,’” Musk basically said. That’s what Trump fears most—becoming irrelevant.
The Epstein Claim
One of Musk’s boldest moves was hinting that Trump might be connected to the Epstein files. Epstein, a disgraced financier, was linked to many powerful figures before his death. While there’s no concrete evidence against Trump, Musk’s suggestion has stirred up controversy.
Why Trump Loyalists Are Worried
Scott Jennings, a longtime Trump supporter, admitted he hopes Musk can bring some financial discipline to the GOP. Republicans are trying to pass a major tax cut bill, but internal fights are slowing it down.
The problem for Trump? Many GOP lawmakers are now thinking twice about backing him. Why? Because Musk has the money and influence to make life difficult for them if they cross him. “If you’re up for reelection,” Griffin said, “you don’t want to get on the wrong side of Musk right now.”
For lawmakers not facing voters this year, it’s easier to stay loyal to Trump. But for those in tight races, the pressure to distance themselves from Trump is growing.
The Midterm Strategy
With the midterms just months away, Trump’s ability to rally support is critical. But Musk’s public attacks have made things tougher.
Griffin revealed that Capitol Hill is buzzing with private conversations. Many lawmakers are asking themselves: Is it worth sticking with Trump, or should I hedge my bets?
Meanwhile, Musk’s willingness to spend big in key districts has sent a clear message. Backing Trump’s agenda could come with a price—if Musk decides to target you.
What’s Next?
This feud isn’t just about Trump vs. Musk. It’s about the future of the GOP.
For Trump, the stakes are high. If his legislative agenda fails, it could hurt his chances of staying relevant in 2024. For Musk, flexing his political muscle shows he’s not afraid to take on even the most powerful figures.
As the midterms approach, one thing is clear: this drama is far from over.
Follow Digital Chew for more updates on this developing story.