In a response that surprised no one, Donald Trump weighed in on Elon Musk’s latest Twitter controversy, and — true to form — his take was packed with bravado, personal jabs, and a healthy dose of self-promotion.
Musk, the billionaire tech mogul and owner of X (formerly Twitter), recently made headlines after a string of erratic tweets, staff shakeups, and controversial platform decisions ignited another wave of criticism. From reinstating banned accounts to sparring with journalists online, Musk’s latest moves have once again polarized public opinion and put the platform under intense scrutiny.
So, what did Trump have to say about it all?
Trump’s Response: A Mix of Mockery and Me-First Messaging
During an interview with a conservative podcast, Trump was quick to weigh in:
“Elon’s having a rough time, isn’t he? I could’ve told you that running Twitter — or whatever he’s calling it now — isn’t so easy. You need real leadership. He’s learning the hard way.”
The former president went on to say that Musk is “brilliant in business” but lacks the “common sense” needed to run a platform with massive political and cultural influence. He also reminded listeners that his own social platform, Truth Social, is “thriving” and “free of the chaos” that plagues X.
“We built something better,” Trump said. “It’s clean, it’s smart, and we don’t deal with the nonsense you see over there.”
A Familiar Strategy
If Trump’s comments sound familiar, that’s because they are. Whether discussing political rivals, tech giants, or media figures, his commentary often follows a predictable pattern:
- Undermine the opponent with sarcasm
- Praise their intelligence or success (to a point)
- Position himself or his product as the superior alternative
In Musk’s case, Trump has had a love-hate relationship. The two billionaires have exchanged public compliments and jabs over the years — with Trump once calling Musk “a genius” and later accusing him of being “another BS artist” when they disagreed politically.
Musk’s Camp Hasn’t Responded (Yet)
As of now, Elon Musk hasn’t publicly responded to Trump’s remarks — though he’s never been one to stay silent for long. Given Musk’s active presence on his own platform, it wouldn’t be surprising if he fires back with a cryptic meme or late-night tweet in the coming days.
What This Means Going Forward
Both Trump and Musk are high-profile figures who dominate the digital and political space. Trump’s criticism — while not unexpected — reflects the ongoing battle for influence in the social media arena, where platforms like X, Truth Social, and Threads are competing for ideological dominance and user engagement.
As the 2024 election heats up and the spotlight on online platforms intensifies, expect more back-and-forth between these two power players.
Because when Trump and Musk clash, the internet always watches — and the headlines practically write themselves.
Carol McDaniel is a dedicated and results-driven professional with 5 years of experience and US News. Known for her strong problem-solving skills and collaborative mindset, Carol has built a reputation for delivering high-impact results across diverse teams and projects.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated expertise in 2 core skills or areas, e.g., client relations and project coordination, and is passionate about continuous learning and meaningful contribution. Carol thrives in dynamic environments and consistently brings professionalism, adaptability, and a focus on growth to every role she takes on.