Tech billionaire Elon Musk has reignited political tensions with former President Donald Trump, declaring during a recent livestream that Trump was “ungrateful” and would not have won the election without Musk’s support.
“Trump is ungrateful. Without my support, he would have lost the election,” Musk said during a live discussion on X Spaces, the audio platform owned by Musk as part of his social media company X (formerly Twitter). While he did not specify which election he was referring to, the remark appeared aimed at Trump’s 2016 victory, where Musk’s broad influence among tech-savvy and independent voters may have played a role.
The comment adds a new layer to the evolving relationship between the two high-profile figures. Musk briefly served on Trump’s business advisory councils early in his presidency but resigned after Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris climate agreement in 2017.
Trump has not responded publicly to Musk’s remarks. However, political allies of the former president dismissed the statement as overblown, with several conservative commentators pushing back online.
While Musk never formally endorsed Trump, his growing political influence has become increasingly visible in recent years. He has been openly critical of both Democrats and Republicans, often positioning himself as an independent voice promoting what he calls “common-sense politics.”
With more than 180 million followers on X, Musk commands one of the most powerful platforms in digital media. His political commentary, particularly when aimed at high-profile figures, often reverberates across the political spectrum.
Musk’s latest comments arrive amid speculation about his long-term political goals and his potential role as a kingmaker in future U.S. elections. Though he has not backed any specific candidate for 2028, his ability to shape public discourse is undeniable.
The exchange underscores the growing divide between establishment conservative figures and non-traditional influencers like Musk, who operate outside party lines but continue to impact the national conversation in unpredictable and far-reaching ways.