Listen to Fox News Articles: The Disintegration of the Trump-Musk Alliance
As the once-strong alliance between President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk rapidly dissolves, both figures are not only exchanging barbs over Trump’s ambitious tax cuts and spending plans but also sparring over who deserves credit for Trump’s upcoming 2024 election victory.
During a recent press conference, Trump asserted, "I think I would have won," even without Musk’s assistance on the campaign trail last year. The two titans, who initially worked closely during the early months of Trump’s second term—when Musk served as a special advisor steering the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—are now vocalizing their disagreements.
Musk, who has been a significant supporter of Trump, went all in last summer, becoming the top donor of the 2024 election cycle with nearly $300 million funneled through America PAC, a super PAC aligned with Trump. His contributions primarily funded critical get-out-the-vote efforts and advertisements in vital battleground states as Trump faced off against Kamala Harris.
Musk’s Support and Campaign Involvement
Musk’s commitment to Trump was particularly evident following the assassination attempt against the president in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he endorsed the GOP nominee. His involvement on the campaign trail was highlighted during an October 5 rally in Butler, where he joined Trump, followed by five town halls in Pennsylvania, a key state for the election.
Trump acknowledged Musk’s contributions in Pennsylvania, referencing his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, who co-chaired the 2024 campaign. "Susie would say I would have won Pennsylvania easily anyway," Trump claimed.
Musk, seemingly reacting to Trump’s comments in real-time, quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to assert, "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House, and Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Such ingratitude."
Reactions from GOP Strategists
Tom Eddy, the GOP chairman in Erie County—a significant swing area in northwestern Pennsylvania—told Fox News, "Musk helped Trump significantly. I really think so. He had money and he had a name." However, he added that Trump’s comments suggest he wants to convey that while he received help, ultimately, he was the one who won the election.
Veteran Republican strategist John Brabender, who served as a media consultant for the Trump campaign, emphasized that while Musk and others played crucial roles in securing victories across the country, the ultimate responsibility lies with Trump, stating, "That’s who people voted for."
Longtime consultant Dave Carney, who has been involved in several GOP presidential campaigns, highlighted that while Trump might have won without Musk’s support, the billionaire’s assistance was invaluable. Carney pointed out that the combined efforts of various super PACs, including Musk’s America PAC and MAGA Inc., made it easier for Trump to achieve victories in all seven battleground states.
Conclusion
The ongoing feud between Trump and Musk underscores the complexities of political alliances and the multifaceted nature of campaign success. As the 2024 election approaches, the dynamics between these two powerful figures will continue to evolve, shaping the landscape of American politics.
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