The growing tension between former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk has finally reached its breaking point. The schism has forced several key Republican figures to carefully consider their allegiances as they navigate the political landscape.
According to Politico, the conflict has particularly highlighted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s position, who, despite his previous rivalry with Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign, had maintained public support for the former president after dropping out of the race.
In a recent fundraising email from one of DeSantis’s political committees, the governor explicitly sided with Musk, stating that “Elon Musk stood tall and took the hits to lead the fight on DOGE, cutting wasteful spending and exposing bloated government programs.” He went further to criticize the Republican megabill, calling it “a betrayal of the voters.”
How the split affects future Republican campaigns and donations
The divide poses significant challenges for Republicans seeking reelection or future political aspirations. Musk, who has made substantial political donations, including $10 million to DeSantis’s presidential campaign, has threatened to withhold donations from lawmakers who support the Republican megabill.
The 53-year-old tech entrepreneur has emphasized his long-term influence over Trump’s, stating on X that while “Trump has 3.5 years left as President,” he will “be around for 40+ years,” suggesting Republicans should consider their future carefully when choosing sides.
The impact is particularly significant for figures like JD Vance, who, as vice president and potential heir to Trump’s political movement, must carefully balance maintaining Musk’s donor support while not alienating Trump’s base. Vance had previously predicted that Trump and Musk would remain close, a forecast that now appears increasingly unlikely.
The split has also created complicated dynamics for other Republican figures, including Senator Thom Tillis, who faces a tough reelection battle and could benefit from both Trump and Musk’s support. Tillis has attempted to maintain neutrality, acknowledging Musk as a “brilliant guy” with resources while continuing to work on the contested Republican megabill.
The rift extends beyond political figures to affect key administration staff, notably the Miller couple. Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, has become a defender of the Republican megabill, while his wife Katie Miller recently left her position as Musk’s aide to continue working with the entrepreneur, creating potential personal and professional complications.
