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WASHINGTON — A pressing political query has emerged in recent weeks: How long can President Donald Trump share the limelight with Elon Musk, a billionaire known for his desire for attention?
During a Fox News Channel interview that aired on Tuesday, both figures expressed admiration for one another, maintaining their collaboration despite Trump’s claims that the media is attempting to create friction between them.
In a notable moment, Trump allowed Fox News anchor Sean Hannity to laud Musk, who has been portrayed negatively in certain Democratic circles as an influential figure undermining government stability through significant budget cuts enforced by the Department of Government Efficiency.
Throughout the interview, the duo often seemed to effortlessly complete one another’s sentences, resembling a comedic partnership rather than a typical employer-employee dynamic.
This article examines the development of their relationship, its implications for both parties, and explores reasons why their alliance may face challenges moving forward.
Trump revealed to Hannity that his friendship with Musk is relatively new, stating, “I knew him a little bit through the White House originally” but did not have a prior relationship.
Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Musk acquired U.S. citizenship in 2002. As the richest individual in the world, his wealth surpasses $400 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Musk’s expansive business ventures include enterprises such as X, Tesla, and SpaceX, along with the internet service provider, Starlink.
Musk, who voted for Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 election and Hillary Clinton in 2016, has recently expressed frustration over regulatory challenges faced by Tesla in California. His dissatisfaction with Biden has grown particularly over the latter’s strong support for unions that have regularly clashed with Tesla’s business practices.
Historically, Musk and Trump have had a contentious relationship, particularly regarding environmental policies. Their disputes have included Trump’s harsh criticisms of Musk in July 2022, where he labeled the entrepreneur as a “bulls— artist” and questioned the validity of Musk’s ventures in electric vehicles and aerospace.
Musk initially supported Ron DeSantis in the previous Republican presidential primary, even playing a part in his campaign launch. However, after a meeting with Trump in March and an endorsement in July—following an assassination attempt against Trump—Musk shifted his allegiance.
“I was going to do it anyway, but that was a precipitating event,” Musk stated during the interview.
Musk attended his first Trump rally in early October, and his super PAC reportedly invested around $200 million to support Trump’s campaign. Through X, Musk has amplified messages backing Trump and the “Make America Great Again” agenda.
The two spent election night together at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, and shortly after declaring victory, Trump appointed Musk to lead DOGE, the initiative aimed at government downsizing, a mission he undertook alongside former GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who exited the commission by Inauguration Day.
The camaraderie continued when Trump attended an investment meeting in Miami on Wednesday, where Musk was present, prompting Trump to acknowledge him to the audience.
“He’s doing a great job,” Trump remarked, suggesting the interview garnered high ratings, adding, “You coulda seen him last night. He’s a very committed person, a very serious person.”
“He’s a seriously high IQ individual,” Trump stated. “He’s got his faults also, I’ll tell you that. But not too many of them.”
Trump has authorized Musk to assist in fulfilling a campaign promise to “shatter the deep state” by making extensive cuts to federal workforce and agencies.
“There’s a vast federal bureaucracy that is implacably opposed to the president,” Musk explained during the Hannity interview, commenting on the bureaucratic challenges faced in restoring democratic governance.
Musk’s companies, Tesla and SpaceX, have secured substantial federal contracts and tax incentives over time, raising questions regarding regulatory scrutiny under a Trump administration. The administration’s reprieve for Musk could involve easing inquiries into Tesla’s vehicle safety practices and other regulatory challenges.
Despite this, Musk claimed, “I haven’t asked the president for anything, ever,” while Trump indicated Musk would maintain a distance in scenarios where government business intersects with his private interests, despite prior indications that his administration might scrutinize federal contracts relevant to Musk’s enterprises.
Trump and Musk assert they will remain amicable, yet history shows that Trump’s closest associates can become his most ardent critics.
Former Vice President Mike Pence has expressed that Trump posed a personal risk during the January 6 Capitol riot, attempting to coerce him into unconstitutional actions. Similarly, former Attorney General Bill Barr has denounced Trump’s election fraud theories and called for distance from Trump’s circle.
Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen reflected in 2019 that followers of Trump often face similar tribulations as he has encountered.
In recent actions, Trump discarded a protective security detail for former senior officials, signaling a dismissive attitude towards potential security threats.
Trump also seems wary of being eclipsed, alluding to Musk’s presence in the media. When asked about Musk’s depiction on the cover of Time Magazine while at the Oval Office, Trump jested, “Is Time Magazine still in business?”
Nonetheless, Trump has consistently exhibited loyalty to those he perceives as steadfast allies.
Notable figures such as former adviser Peter Navarro have re-entered Trump’s inner circle, influencing policies even after legal troubles, reflecting Trump’s tendency to overlook past grievances if loyalty is demonstrated.
Through the interview, Hannity’s questions were primarily positive, highlighting how Trump and Musk regard each other highly, albeit with lingering skepticism over the sustainability of their alliance.
“He’s an amazing person,” Trump remarked about Musk.
Meanwhile, Musk stated, “I love the president, I just want to be clear about that.”
Hannity observed, “I feel like I’m interviewing two brothers here.”
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abcnews.go.com