Clash between Trump and Musk: eight moves that could turn the conflict into open warfare

After insults and accusations, the US president and Tesla boss are ready to strike back with actions that could have serious repercussions on politics, finance and technology

The clash between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has gone beyond words and has now entered dangerous territory. According to an analysis by the New York Times, there are at least eight concrete actions that the two could take to inflict serious damage on each other, with knock-on effects on government, industry and public opinion.

Elon Musk’s moves

1. Cut political funding
Musk has already spent over $250 million supporting Trump and the Republicans. But now he could reverse course: not only stop donating, but also actively fund campaigns against the president’s agenda and his allies. He has already called a Trump bill a ‘disgusting abomination’ and could withhold the $100 million promised for the re-election campaign.

2. Social media attacks and propaganda
With over 170 million users on X, Musk has a powerful megaphone. He has already launched polls on a possible new political party, receiving massive support. He has also openly supported the idea of impeaching Trump.

3. Compromising revelations
Musk has hinted that he possesses confidential information that could damage Trump, going so far as to claim – without evidence – that the president is mentioned in the Jeffrey Epstein files. A potentially explosive accusation.

4. Pressure through his companies
Musk has threatened to withdraw SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which is essential for supplies to the International Space Station. The mere suggestion has already sparked furious reactions, including that of Steve Bannon, who called for the nationalisation of SpaceX. Musk, in response, called him ‘a pure retard’.

Donald Trump’s countermeasures

5. Revocation of public contracts
Trump has already threatened to cut government contracts with Tesla, SpaceX and other Musk companies. At stake are over $3 billion and nearly 100 agreements with 17 federal agencies.

6. Personal investigations into Musk
The president could order investigations into the billionaire’s drug use and even his immigration status. According to the New York Times, Musk allegedly used ketamine, ecstasy and hallucinogenic mushrooms, even during the election campaign, exhibiting behaviour deemed irregular.

7. Revocation of security clearance
A move that would have immediate effects on SpaceX. Without permission to access classified data, Musk would no longer be able to collaborate with NASA and other federal agencies.

8. Use of executive power against Musk
Trump has the power to sign executive orders, launch investigations through the Department of Justice and shut down projects sponsored by Musk, such as the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) or initiatives in favour of white South Africans.

The conflict between two of America’s most influential figures is not just personal: it could turn into an institutional, economic and technological clash of unprecedented proportions. If even a few of these eight moves were to materialise, the repercussions would be profound and potentially long-lasting.

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