Republican Support Solidifies Around Trump Amid Elon Musk Dispute
In a surprising display of party unity, Republican leaders appeared to rally behind President Donald Trump on Friday, even as his ongoing conflict with Elon Musk dominated headlines and threatened to derail key legislative efforts. The dispute has become a focal point within the party, casting a shadow over the legislative agenda at a critical juncture.
Party Leaders Express Optimism for Resolution
While some members of the GOP expressed hope that the rift between Trump and Musk might be resolved swiftly, they reaffirmed their allegiance to Trump as the party’s undisputed leader. They also defended the “big, beautiful bill”-a major legislative proposal that was the subject of a heated disagreement between the two influential figures earlier in the week. Musk had publicly called for lawmakers to oppose the bill, intensifying the controversy.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) addressed the situation during a CNBC interview, emphasizing the importance of focusing on legislative priorities. “I don’t get involved in how Musk builds rockets, and I’d prefer he not interfere in how I craft laws,” Johnson remarked. Despite this, he praised both Trump and Musk as “two titans” deserving respect and expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved soon.
Trump Shifts Focus to Legislative Achievements
In brief conversations with reporters on Friday morning, Trump attempted to redirect attention toward his prominent tax reform and immigration legislation currently pending in the Senate. Nevertheless, he did not shy away from criticizing Musk, describing him dismissively as “the man who has lost his mind” during an interview with CNN.
“I’m not even thinking about Elon right now. He’s got his own issues,” Trump stated, adding that he might not communicate with Musk for some time but still wished him well. This comment underscores the ongoing tension between the two figures, despite their previous interactions.
Escalation of the Dispute and Political Reactions
The disagreement escalated rapidly on Thursday, leaving some Republicans feeling conflicted about their admiration for both men-whom they have previously hailed as revolutionary forces in politics. Trump accused Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, of going “CRAZY” and threatened to revoke federal contracts for Musk’s companies. Conversely, Musk claimed he was instrumental in Trump’s 2024 election victory and even suggested that Trump should face impeachment proceedings.
Pro-Trump activist Charlie Kirk expressed concern over the fallout, stating on Fox News that the situation was “difficult to watch.” He also tweeted, “I hope Elon and Trump can reconcile privately. It would benefit the country and the world if they do.”
Social Media Divisions and Influencer Perspectives
On the Musk-owned platform X, popular conservative influencer Catturd reported losing followers-including Musk himself-after publicly siding with Trump. Catturd criticized Musk for allegedly crossing a “redline” by insinuating that Trump’s name appeared in Jeffrey Epstein’s files. He urged his 3.7 million followers to continue opposing Musk’s stance, emphasizing the importance of loyalty to Trump.
Official Responses and Political Rhetoric
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to echo Trump’s personal attacks on Musk during a Fox News interview, instead highlighting Trump’s legislative efforts. She noted that Trump had recently hosted Musk in the Oval Office to honor his service as DOGE’s chief, emphasizing the ongoing relationship between the two.
Leavitt also reaffirmed Trump’s position as “the unequivocal leader of the Republican Party,” a sentiment echoed by several of Trump’s staunch allies. For instance, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia) publicly declared her unwavering support, stating, “I voted for Donald J. Trump on November 4, 2024, and no one else.”
Musk’s Public Response and Ongoing Tensions
Throughout Thursday night, Musk responded to various comments about the dispute, including from Bill Ackman, a billionaire hedge fund manager and supporter of both men. Ackman urged reconciliation for the good of the nation, asserting that Trump and Musk are “much stronger together than apart.” Musk acknowledged this sentiment with a simple, “You’re not wrong.”
However, Musk’s tone remained contentious as he posted multiple messages containing offensive language directed at Stephen K. Bannon, a former Trump adviser who had suggested that Trump should deport Musk. Bannon had previously been a vocal critic of Musk, adding fuel to the ongoing feud.
Administration’s Efforts to Frame Trump’s Conduct
By Friday morning, officials within the Biden administration began efforts to portray Trump as acting with restraint. Vice President JD Vance took to X to defend Trump, stating, “There are many falsehoods about President Trump in the media. One of the most persistent is that he’s impulsive or short-tempered. Anyone who has observed him under pressure knows that’s not true.”
This narrative aims to present Trump as a leader capable of maintaining composure amid controversy, contrasting with the chaos of the public dispute. Natalie Allison contributed additional reporting to this story.
