The rupture between the richest man in the world and the president of the strongest economy in the world is expected to have consequences for both.

Ilon Musk, as head of many companies such as Tesla and the SpaceXand Donald Trump, who has benefited from Musk’s support for a second term in the White House, had a mutually beneficial relationship until recently.

Here are ten possible ways in which Trump and Musk can cause serious damage to each other if their rupture becomes definitive, according to the Guardian.

What can Trump do to Musk

To cancel state contracts related to Musk businesses

Responding to Musk’s criticism of the government’s tax bill, Trump wrote on Thursday on Truth Social that the cancellation of billionaire’s government contracts would be a simple way to save resources.

“The easiest way to save money on our budget, billions and billions of dollars, is to terminate the state subsidies and contracts of Ilon. Always do me that Biden didn’t do it! ” Trump wrote.

In 2024, the New York Times revealed that Ilon Musk companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, received promises of $ 3 billion funding within a year, in almost 100 different contracts with 17 federal services.

Seek research on alleged drug use by Musk

The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal have published reports of heavy drug use by the Musk, raising questions about whether it meets NASA standards, which requires its contractors, such as SpaceX, to maintain drug -related workforce. The Times reported that Musk allegedly received a prior notice of tests.

Musk responded last month to X: “To be clear, I don’t take drugs!” He has said that he has used ketamine from time to time with a prescription.

To challenge Musk’s immigration regime

Steve Banon, Trump’s close ally, said the Musk immigration regime should be investigated.

“A formal research on its status must begin. I strongly believe that he is an illegal immigrant and must be deported immediately from the country, “he said of Musk, who was born in South Africa but is an American citizen.

Utilize the presidential power against Musk

When Trump was elected, analysts pointed out the many ways in which a Mask -friendly government could benefit the economic interests of the richest man in the world. This favorable environment, which includes the assignment of government contracts and the guidance of federal services that facilitate Musk businesses, could of course be turned into a weapon.

“All federal regulators and prosecutors work for the president. He can tell them what to do or what to do with the threat of dismissal. “Says Richard Pierce, a law professor at George Washington University.

To isolate Musk from the Maga movement

Trump, as the leader of the “Make America Great Again” movement, has the power to eliminate him politically. Republican MP Troy Troy Nell addressed Musk on Thursday: “You have lost your mind. It arrives anymore. “

Despite the attacks, Musk has the means to maintain influence thanks to his enormous fortune and his ability to fund the Republican party candidates.

What can Musk do to Trump

To turn x against the White House

Ilon Musk used the X -platform – where he is followed by more than 220 million users – to boost Trump’s victory in the 2024 elections and to promote the Maga movement’s agenda.

Theoretically, he could now take advantage of the same platform to attack Trump with the same frequency as supported.

However, this also depends on Musk’s influence on the US electorate. Five out of 10 adults in the US say they have a negative view of Musk, according to the Pew Research Center. It should be noted, however, that seven in 10 Republicans or adults who tend to Republicans have a positive view, as it will not affect many democrats who dislike Trump.

To create a new political body

Musk, with a fortune of more than $ 300 billion, could stop the funding of Republicans and set up a new party. It has already spent $ 250 million on Trump’s election in 2024, proving that it is investing politically.

On Thursday, he posted a poll on X asking: “Is it time to create a new political party in America representing 80% of the middle majority?” Over 80% of the 4.8 million they responded said “yes”.

To create geopolitical problems through his business

SpaceX’s Starlink satellite platform plays a crucial role in Ukrainian defense against the Russian invasion, while China is a key production center and a market for Tesla. Musk also has political contacts around the world and is regularly photographed with world leaders. However, any damage caused by Musk to Trump’s international position or interests should be balanced by any impact on his own businesses.

To create problems in NASA

NASA maintains close collaboration with SpaceX’s SPACE Mask, using Dragon spacecraft for the transportation of astronauts and cargo to and from the International Space Station (ISS).

On Thursday, amidst the tension with Trump, Musk threatened that he would immediately withdraw the Dragon from the service before he is quickly back. However, SpaceX remains critical for the operation of the ISS and this threat acts as a pressure lever.

Proceed to revelations about Trump

Musk has been in Trump’s narrow circle for years, and does not hesitate to attack X through X to those who think they betray him. If he decides to talk about the backdrop of his relationship with the US president, he is likely to cause a political earthquake.
Of course, the same is true: Those of Trump’s circle had contact with Musk may know equally sensitive information about the billionaire, whose personal life often concerns the media.