In a bold response to recent media speculation, Donald Trump fires back at reports he’s set to destroy Elon Musk’s companies, calling the rumors “fake news” and labeling them part of a broader smear campaign.
The controversy started when a number of online outlets and political commentators suggested that if Trump were to return to the White House in 2025, he would allegedly use the powers of the presidency to go after Elon Musk’s businesses, including Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter).
However, the former president didn’t waste any time addressing these allegations. In a series of statements posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump fires back at reports he’s set to destroy Elon Musk’s companies, insisting he has no intention of undermining American innovation or targeting Musk’s empire.
Trump’s Official Statement
“More disinformation from the Radical Left,” Trump wrote. “I have great respect for what Elon Musk has done. We don’t always agree, but I want successful businesses in America, not destroyed ones. That’s the difference between us and them.”
Trump’s response comes at a critical time. As the 2024 U.S. presidential race intensifies, rumors and political mudslinging have become more common, especially regarding high-profile billionaires who maintain influence over social media and emerging technologies.
By stating that he harbors no animosity toward Musk or his companies, Trump fires back at reports he’s set to destroy Elon Musk’s companies with a clear goal: to shut down speculation before it grows further.
The Source of the Controversy
The original claim appears to stem from anonymous sources quoted in a political blog post. The piece alleged that Trump and his advisers were privately discussing ways to curb the power of tech billionaires, especially those who don’t openly support his political return.
While Musk has expressed both criticism and praise of Trump in the past, there is no credible evidence to suggest he is on any kind of “hit list.” In fact, Musk has previously stated he prefers a president who supports innovation, freedom of speech, and sustainable energy—values he claims to see in candidates from both major parties.
Still, the narrative gained traction, prompting headlines and social media debates. That’s when Trump fired back at reports he’s set to destroy Elon Musk’s companies, determined to squash the story.
Elon Musk Responds
Elon Musk also weighed in on the rumors. In a brief but impactful tweet, he said: “I don’t believe Trump would do that. He’s not perfect, but he’s not anti-business.”
Musk’s message aligns with Trump’s public statement, and suggests that both figures are keen to focus on innovation, business, and free speech rather than drama.
The fact that Trump fires back at reports he’s set to destroy Elon Musk’s companies so forcefully suggests he sees this as a political distraction—possibly even an attempt to divide two influential figures whose platforms (both digital and political) reach millions.
A Complicated Relationship
Trump and Musk have a complicated, sometimes awkward, relationship. Musk once criticized Trump’s leadership style and even said he would support Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for president. At the same time, Trump has praised Musk’s accomplishments, especially in advancing electric vehicles and privatized space travel.
In 2022, Musk reinstated Trump’s previously banned Twitter account after acquiring the platform. Trump, however, chose to remain on Truth Social, his own social media network.
Despite occasional jabs, both men recognize each other’s impact in business and politics. That’s why Trump fires back at reports he’s set to destroy Elon Musk’s companies with a tone of both defense and dismissal. It’s not just about denying a rumor—it’s about protecting a mutual understanding of influence.
Political Strategy or Media Misinformation?
Experts suggest the timing of these rumors is not accidental. With elections nearing, any suggestion of political retaliation against major business leaders could influence voter sentiment, especially among independents and tech-savvy entrepreneurs.
“Targeting someone like Musk would be political suicide,” said one political analyst. “He’s popular among both conservatives and progressives, especially for his free speech stance. That’s why it was important that Trump fires back at reports he’s set to destroy Elon Musk’s companies quickly and clearly.”
The rumor could also have economic implications. Investors in Tesla and SpaceX watch headlines closely, and political tension could affect stock prices, market sentiment, and business partnerships.
A Pattern of Tech Tension
This isn’t the first time Trump has been accused of holding grudges against tech giants. During his first term, he frequently clashed with companies like Google, Facebook, and Twitter, especially over content moderation and alleged censorship.
But Musk is not a typical tech CEO. With a more libertarian stance, he has pushed back against censorship and government overreach—values that Trump and his supporters also tout.
That makes it even more unlikely that Trump is set to destroy Elon Musk’s companies, as some reports claim. If anything, Trump may find a strange ally in Musk, especially in the battle for digital free speech and economic independence from traditional institutions.
What This Means for 2024
Both Trump and Musk command massive audiences. Whether it’s through Truth Social or X, their words have ripple effects far beyond their followers. If Trump returns to office, he’ll likely face questions about his relationship with high-profile entrepreneurs like Musk.
By ensuring that Trump fires back at reports he’s set to destroy Elon Musk’s companies, the former president is trying to preserve a narrative of business support and economic strength—a key pillar of his re-election campaign.
Final Thoughts
In today’s media landscape, stories can spread like wildfire—especially when they involve controversial figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. But without hard evidence, most political observers view the claim as nothing more than a tactic to stir division or distract from more pressing issues.
By addressing it directly and unequivocally, Trump fires back at reports he’s set to destroy Elon Musk’s companies, reinforcing his stance on supporting American innovation rather than suppressing it.
Whether their paths will align or diverge in the future, one thing is clear: Both Trump and Musk will remain major players in shaping America’s political and technological future.
