In a move that has stirred up political circles, Elon Musk’s blunt criticism of a $500 billion AI project backed by Donald Trump has left some of the former president’s aides and allies fuming. The project, dubbed “Stargate”, was unveiled as a monumental leap forward in the nation’s AI infrastructure, featuring collaborations with giants like OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle. However, Musk, who co-founded OpenAI, didn’t hold back, labeling the project and its backers as financially questionable and even going so far as to mock them online.
Elon Musk vs. Trump’s Latest AI Initiative
While Trump praised the Stargate initiative as “tremendous” and “monumental,” Musk launched into a social media rant, claiming, They don’t actually have the money.
He pointed fingers at SoftBank, alleging they have far less than $10 billion secured. Musk also took a jab at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, joking that Altman and his team must have been smoking crack
to come up with the $500 billion valuation.
This public criticism didn’t sit well with Trump’s allies. One Trump confidant said, Elon Musk is a joke for doing this so publicly. He’s abused his access to the president.
Another insider described the situation as Musk being out of control,
while a White House official remarked, We’re trying to make sense of his ideas—innovative, yes, but his execution is lacking.
Elon Musk’s Political Views and Role in Trump’s Circle
Musk, known for his unorthodox approach and controversial opinions, has had an unusually close relationship with Trump. He served as the head of Trump’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency and has frequently been spotted at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Some GOP insiders, however, have long been wary of Musk’s influence, particularly as his political views often conflict with Trump’s initiatives.
Related: Elon Musk in politics
Despite Musk’s proximity to the former president, Trump’s latest words suggest he’s not overly concerned. When asked about Musk’s critiques, Trump responded, No, it doesn’t bother me. He hates one of the people in the deal.
Trump maintained that the project’s funding came from private investors, adding, These are very rich people, and I hope they do well.
A Rift Brewing Between Elon Musk and Donald Trump?
While Trump appeared unbothered, Musk’s behaviour has fuelled speculation about a potential falling-out. Could this signal a crack in the relationship between Trump and Musk? Some insiders think so, especially since Musk’s growing interest in politics has led to rumours of his own political ambitions, with phrases like “Elon Musk for president 2024” popping up in conversations.
Others, however, argue that Musk’s unpredictable behaviour is simply part of his character. The politics of Elon Musk have always been hard to pin down—he’s a self-proclaimed centrist who’s often at odds with both Democrats and Republicans. His criticism of Trump’s AI initiative may simply reflect his personal vendettas, particularly against Sam Altman and OpenAI.
Elon Musk’s Political Drama: A Growing Concern?
This isn’t the first time Musk has stirred up controversy within political circles. His political views, while innovative, often rub traditionalists the wrong way. And while his entrepreneurial success is undeniable, his role in the politics of Donald Trump seems to be causing more harm than good, at least for now.
Some of Trump’s allies are calling for a more measured approach to dealing with Musk. Steve Bannon, a former Trump aide, suggested that the White House staff sit him down
and sort it out immediately.
Conclusion
For now, Musk remains a wildcard in Trump’s political orbit. His outspoken nature and divisive actions raise questions about his intentions and his ability to collaborate effectively within the GOP. Whether this latest drama will lead to a permanent rift between Elon Musk and Donald Trump remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Musk’s influence in both tech and politics makes him a figure that can’t be ignored.
As the dust settles, the public will be watching closely to see how this high-stakes drama between Musk, Trump, and the Stargate project unfolds. For now, it seems Musk’s critical take on the project has left more than a few people asking, “Is Elon Musk on politics more of a disruptor than a builder?”
