MAGA World Cautiously Turning on Elon Musk: A Heated Rift with Trump

The relationship between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk seemed to hit a rough patch, causing ripples across the right-wing media. Traditionally fierce defenders of Trump took a slightly more measured approach in their reactions to the spat, with criticism of Musk remaining relatively restrained.

Former Fox News host Eric Bolling, appearing on Steve Bannon’s Real America’s Voice, suggested that Musk should allow Trump to operate in his own sphere, remarking "You can be First Bro, but you can't be de facto president." Behind closed doors, however, many Republican operatives were more entertained than concerned, with the consensus leaning towards Trump’s side.

A Trumpworld consultant shared a sentiment from a recent Wall Street Journal report where Trump described Musk as "50% genius, 50% boy." The consultant humorously added, "After today, I think he’s just 100% stupid." Musk has made no comment.

Musk’s opposition to the Republican budget reconciliation package, the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' intensified after Trump criticized him during an Oval Office meeting. Trump expressed doubt about their relationship moving forward, and Musk went as far as to agree with calls for Trump’s impeachment.

Fox News’s Greg Gutfeld found some amusement and positivity in the feud, though he expressed a desire for it to end, saying it's akin to watching parents argue. By Friday, hopes for a "big, beautiful truce" were echoed by Fox & Friends cohost Brian Kilmeade.

The rift prompted varied reactions within the Trump coalition. After Musk’s controversial Epstein files tweet about Trump, some MAGA loyalists took offense. Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones demanded a response from Trump, while others criticized Jones for his perceived treachery.

Amidst the chaos, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to quell the tension, stating that Musk's dissatisfaction stemmed from not having his policies included in the bill. Trump advisor Steve Bannon escalated matters by suggesting Musk's deportation, claiming questionable immigration status.

Breitbart strategically emphasized Trump's position against Musk, emphasizing potential cancellations of Musk's government contracts. YouGov’s survey revealed that Republican voters overwhelmingly favored Trump over Musk.

In this complex media narrative, Elon Musk finds himself scrutinized by members of Trump’s closest circle, as they either support the president fervently or call for reconciliation.