Elon Musk Shifts Stance on Trump Amid LA Riot Protests

The ongoing public feud between Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, and President Donald Trump appears to be waning. Recently, Musk’s sentiments toward the Trump administration changed significantly following his departure from a role in the Department of Government Efficiency. This change coincided with protests that erupted over immigration raids in Los Angeles over the weekend.

Musk and Trump Exchange Barbs

Tensions between Musk and Trump escalated due to disagreements concerning Trump’s ambitious tax and spending legislation known as the ‘big, beautiful bill.’ Initially, Musk seemed to cast doubt on the viability of Trump’s candidacy for the 2024 elections, stating that Trump would not have a chance without his backing.

However, Musk’s attitude shifted when he shared a post from Trump on Truth Social that criticized the protests, which erupted in Los Angeles. This move indicated a possible endorsement of the Trump administration’s approach to the civil unrest.

Trump’s Strong Words

In a post shared by Musk, Trump stated that “Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Bass should apologize to the people of Los Angeles for the absolutely horrible job that they’ve done amidst the ongoing riots.” Trump characterized the disturbances as acts of insurrection rather than protests, showcasing a clear divide in how the situation is viewed by its leadership.

Musk’s Endorsement of Leadership

Musk went further by re-sharing comments from Vice President JD Vance on X, emphasizing the need for decisive action in response to the riots. Vance highlighted Trump’s capability to address the violence, reinforcing Musk’s apparent alignment with the administration on this issue.

Trump declared that members of his Cabinet, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi, would take necessary actions to restore order. He asserted that Los Angeles would not only return to normalcy but also see illegal immigrants expelled from the city.

Musk’s Confidence Shines

This unexpected support from Musk comes after Trump publicly remarked that “Elon’s totally lost it” during a Fox News segment. Trump insisted that he had no interest in a conversation with Musk, rebuffing narratives suggesting a reconciliation was imminent.

Public Tensions and Wall Street Concerns

The rift became increasingly apparent as Musk began to voice concerns about Trump’s economic policies. His criticism of the ‘big, beautiful bill’ specifically revolved around its potential impact on the federal deficit and the elimination of electric vehicle tax credits that benefit companies like Tesla.

Trump, in response, pointed out that Musk was well aware of the bill’s contents but expressed disappointment over Musk’s change of heart, believing it stemmed from the removal of tax incentives crucial for electric vehicles.

Continuing Disputes

Musk took to social media to counter Trump’s assertions, claiming he had not been privy to discussions about the bill before the fallout. The back-and-forth between the two has intensified, with Musk accusing Trump of becoming increasingly irrational due to changes in proposed tax incentives.

The White House has yet to comment on whether there has been any progress in smoothing relations between Musk and Trump. As media interest in their exchanges continues, the implications of their relationship stretch well beyond personal grievances.

Trump’s Quick Response to Protests

Following the riots that erupted in Los Angeles, reportedly in response to immigration enforcement actions, Trump announced that he would deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to restore order. The initial 300 troops began arriving in the city on Sunday.

This military deployment has drawn criticism not only from Musk but also from California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, who argued that Trump’s intervention crossed boundaries and infringed on state sovereignty. Newsom has publicly stated that he formally requested the Trump administration to reverse the troop deployment, asserting that the situation deteriorated only after federal involvement.

Impacts on State Sovereignty

Newsom’s comments underscore the tension between state and federal governance, especially regarding the deployment of National Guard troops. He described the federal intervention as a serious breach of state sovereignty, further complicating the already fraught dynamics between state and national authorities.

Final Thoughts on a Fractured Alliance

The developments surrounding Musk and Trump offer a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of political and corporate relationships in today’s climate. As tensions flare and abate, the public will be watching closely to see if this apparent thaw in relations will lead to any substantial collaboration or if it signals only a temporary cessation of hostilities.

As the situation evolves, both figures will need to navigate their respective positions carefully, especially as they engage with their audiences amidst ongoing national debates about immigration, taxation, and governance.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.