Hey, everybody. Welcome back to the Elon Musk
Podcast. This is a show where we discuss
the critical crossroads, the Shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, the
Boring Company and Neurolink. I'm your host, Will Walden.
So is the bromance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk
fading? And what's driving Trump's
alleged irritation with Elon? Also, how does Musk's clash with
Trump's MAGA allies over H1B visas fit into this unfolding
drama? These questions loom as tensions
between the two high profile figures reportedly rise,
threatening to sour what was once seen as a close
relationship. Now, reports indicate that
Trump, the president-elect, is growing frustrated with Musk's
constant presence in the media and his influence within Trump's
orbit. A source close to Trump's re
election campaign told Mediate 100% Trump is annoyed there's a
Chinese saying 2 tigers cannot live on one mountaintop Now.
The friction comes as Musk publicly feuds with prominent
MAGA figures over immigration policies, particularly the
controversial H1B visa program. The partnership between Trump
and Musk initially seemed like a match made in political heaven,
and Musk contributed more than $250 million to Trump's 2024 re
election campaign and reportedly stayed in close proximity to the
president-elect at Mar a Lago, renting a $2000 a night cottage
near Trump's residence. Now the alliance grew even
stronger when Trump appointed Musk to Co lead a newly formed
Department of Government Efficiency alongside biotech
entrepreneur Vivek from Swami. The department was designated to
operate outside of the government and promised to shake
up Washington. Now, for a time, Musk appeared
to be 1 of Trump's closest allies, both politically and
personally. But as Musk's larger than life
persona continued to attract attention, insiders began to
suggest that Trump's tolerance for the billionaire's influence
might be wearing thin. Now, a Trump campaign insider
revealed that Musk's growing media presence and apparent
eagerness to exert influence rubbed Trump the wrong way.
There was likely an allure to it in the beginning, but it seemed
like it could go ugly, the source said.
Trump is Trump, someone that is around that much and having
influence would be a bother. Another insider echoed the
sentiment, describing Musk as someone who contributed
generously to the campaign but wants to take over the place.
While acknowledging that Musk likely had good intention, the
source cautioned. You also can't just inject a
shadow president somewhere now. The unease came to the surface
publicly last week when Trump made it clear during a Phoenix
rally that Musk had no chance of ever sitting in the Oval Office.
He said no, he's not going to be president.
That I can tell you and I'm safe.
You know why he can't be? He was born in, He wasn't born
in this country. But the fake news knows that
now. The friction between Trump and
Musk coincides with a heated conflict between Musk and
Trump's MAGA allies over the H1B visa program.
This immigration policy allows U.S. companies to hire highly
skilled foreign workers, and Musk has been an outspoken
defender of it. I know On Friday, Musk escalated
his stance with an aggressive post on X.
The reason I'm in America, along with so many critical people who
built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made
America strong is because of H1B, he added.
Take a big step back and F yourself in the face.
I will go to war on this issue, the likes of which you cannot
possibly comprehend now. This uncompromising stance on
visas has put Musk at odds with influential MAGA figures like
far right activist Laura Loomer, who characterized the dispute as
a civil war. Trump, however, appears to side
with Musk on the issue. Speaking to the New York Post,
Trump reiterated his support for the visa program, stating, I've
always liked the visas. I've always been in favor of the
visas. That's why we have them.
I have many H1B visas on my properties.
I've been a believer in H1 BI, have used it many times.
It's a great program. Now.
Over the weekend, Trump made what appeared to be a pointed
remark toward Musk on Truth Social.
In the post, Trump mentioned a visit request from another
billionaire, Bill Gates, while subtly questioning Musk's
whereabouts. Where are you?
When are you coming to the center of the universe, Mar a
Lago? Bill Gates asked to come
tonight. We miss you and X New Year's Eve
is going to be amazing. Trump wrote, and while the tone
of the message could be read read as light hearted, insiders
suggest it reflects Trump's growing patience with Musk now.
The post timing amid Musk's feud with MAGA allies and his
increasing visibility adds weight to the notion that
Trump's tolerance may be wearing thin now.
Despite Musk's influence and his role in amplifying Trump's
messaging, insiders insist that Trump remains firmly in control
of MAGA. The media is portraying him as a
Co president, 1 campaign source said.
Musk is a character actor. There's only one executive
producer 1 lead in this TV show and that is Trump.
Elon will have his role, his focuses, but he's meant to
disrupt the status quo in Washington and Trump is
weaponizing him, the source added.
The only one to move the MAGA movement is Trump.
Elon will be able to amplify the message.
However, they also warn that Musk's growing influence could
become a liability if Trump's irritation continues to build.
Unless you're family, you're not family, the insider remarked,
hinting at Musk's tenuous position in Trump's inner
circle. Now, the developing tension
between Trump and Musk reflects the complexities of their
alliance. On the one hand, Musk's
contributions and influence have been valued assets to Trump's
campaign and broader political goals.
On the other hand, Musk's brash style and penchant for
dominating the spotlight be ultimately clash with Trump's
need to remain the singular leader of the movement he built.
Now, as Musk continues to defend H1B visas and assert his
presence in American politics, the question remains, how long
can 2 political personalities with overlapping yet divergent
ambitions coexist at the top? For now, Trump holds the reins,
but the unfolding drama suggests that Musk's position within
Trump's orbit may not be as secure as it once seemed.
The story of Trump and Musk's partnership serves as a reminder
of the challenges that arise with two very high profile
figures with strong egos and ambitions.
Share the same stage is one campaign insider put it, this is
Trump's show. Everyone else is just playing a
part. Now.
If you really like this podcast, please take a second and go to
clubelon.supercast.com. There is a link in the show
notes or the description and you can help us continue doing these
shows. It's a lot of work and it takes
a lot of time. There's a lot of stuff going on
here. Equipment isn't cheap.
And also, you know, I've been doing this for over 800
episodes. So every single day.
That's that's a lot of time that I've invested in this.
And if you want to continue telling the story about Elon
Musk, please head over to clubelon.supercast.com and
continue the story with me now at Club Elon, you'll be able to
contribute directly to the show. You'll get a new episode with no
ads every single day, ad free, uncut.
There will be exclusive behind the scenes content, other
content that nobody else can get their hands on except for Club
Elon exclusive members. You can sign up really easily,
$5 out of your pocket. That's like one coffee at
Starbucks less than a coffee at Starbucks most places.
And also, we'll be able to expand the show's, increase new
partnerships, move on with bigger interviews, as long as we
get the funding. And we need your funding more
than ever. Right now.
We're 800 episodes in. It's a new year.
We're starting off new. So thank you so much for doing
that. Also, we have a Discord if you
want to join the conversation over there.
So there's a link to that in the show notes down below.
Thanks again for all of your continued support.
Hey, thank you so much for listening today.
I really do appreciate your support.
If you could take a second and hit this subscribe or the follow
button on whatever podcast platform that you're listening
on right now, I greatly appreciate it.
It helps out the show tremendously and you'll never
miss an episode. And each episode is about 10
minutes or less to get you caught up quickly.
And please, if you want to support the show even more, go
to patreon.com/stagezero and please take care of yourselves
and each other and I'll see you tomorrow.