The explosive fallout between former President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk has left their global right-wing allies in an uncomfortable position of silence. The public spat, which erupted on Thursday, marked the end of what was considered the most defining partnership of Trump’s second term.
According to The Washington Post, the conflict began with harsh exchanges between the two prominent figures, with Trump reportedly calling Musk a “big-time drug addict,” while Musk responded by linking Trump to Jeffrey Epstein’s affairs. The dispute also highlighted disagreements over policy matters, with Musk criticizing Trump-backed legislation by promoting posts that praised Argentine President Javier Milei’s approach to public spending cuts.
Russian officials seized the opportunity to mock the situation, with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev offering to mediate the conflict. “We are ready to facilitate the conclusion of a peace deal between D and E for a reasonable fee and to accept Starlink shares as payment. Don’t fight, guys!” Medvedev posted on Friday, referring to Musk’s satellite internet network.
Global right-wing leaders face the difficult choice between Trump and Musk
Notable right-wing figures who previously aligned themselves with both Trump and Musk have maintained conspicuous silence since the dispute began. This includes Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, and Argentine President Javier Milei, who had previously cultivated relationships with both leaders.
The rift has exposed fundamental differences in their approaches to key issues. Musk has openly criticized Trump’s tariffs and trade wars, warning about potential economic recession. He also praised China’s economic achievements, which contrasted with the Republican hawks’ positions. Additionally, Musk’s positive stance on foreign tech workers has created tension with Trump’s immigration restrictionist allies.
British commentator Lewis Goodall noted that this situation reveals a crucial aspect of contemporary populism, emphasizing that these movements are built around individual personalities rather than enduring ideas or collective visions. This personality-driven approach often leads to frequent fallouts with allies and institutions.
China’s response to the situation has been notably reserved, with its Foreign Ministry dismissing questions about the Trump-Musk breakup as “an internal affair” of the United States. Meanwhile, Russian officials and those connected to President Vladimir Putin have taken a more opportunistic approach to the situation, using it to highlight perceived similarities between American and Russian political cultures, particularly regarding the treatment of powerful figures who fall out of favor with political leaders.
