President Donald Trump suggested that Elon Musk will have little choice but to return to the Republican Party, following the high-profile rift between the two earlier this year. Speaking on the Scott Jennings Show in an interview recorded Tuesday, Trump framed Musk’s political options as essentially binary: align with the GOP or side with what he called “radical left lunatics.”
Despite the tensions, Trump tempered criticism with praise, noting that Musk is largely a “super genius” while acknowledging that the Tesla CEO has some personal and professional challenges to navigate. “He’s a good man. He got off the reservation, incorrectly, and that’s okay, because, you know, it’s just one of those things,” Trump said. He added, “He’s 80% super genius, and then 20% he’s got some problems. And when he works out the 20% he’ll be great, but he’s got some difficulty.” Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The discord between Trump and Musk became public earlier this year, with both figures trading barbs on social media. Musk, who had played a role in government cost-cutting initiatives during the Trump administration, clashed with the president over legislation ending tax credits for electric vehicles, a move that directly impacted Tesla. Musk defended his opposition on fiscal grounds, citing concerns over the federal deficit, and at the time also hinted at the possibility of creating a third-party political movement to challenge both major parties.
Trump, in response, threatened to cut Musk’s government contracts and subsidies, escalating tensions further. However, both parties later signaled efforts to mend their relationship, seeking to reconcile differences after months of public disputes.
Trump’s remarks indicate that, despite their previous conflict, he expects Musk to ultimately realign politically with the Republican Party. The comments also underscore Trump’s view of Musk as a powerful, influential figure whose intellect and business acumen are unquestioned, even if personal or strategic missteps create friction in their relationship. The dynamic highlights the ongoing intersection of high-profile tech figures and partisan politics, as both individuals continue to influence policy debates, innovation initiatives, and electoral considerations.
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