There is no question that, if truly forced to choose, the vast majority of Republican powerbrokers would choose Trump. But it’s not quite so simple.
CNN
It remains to be seen whether President Donald Trump and Elon Musk can patch things up after their ugly break-up this week – as many around them are hoping.
But as their feud devolved into highly personal attacks on Thursday, one of the most interesting facets was this: Musk leaned in on a potential power struggle.
He didn’t just criticize Trump or his agenda bill that Republicans are trying to enact; he talked about unseating Republicans who voted for that “disgusting abomination.” He mused about forming a third party. He suggested Trump needed him – claiming Trump would have lost in 2024 without his support. He repeatedly played up X posts suggesting people would have to choose between him and Trump – and sent a not-subtle warning to those who might choose wrongly.
“Oh and some food for thought as they ponder this question: Trump has 3.5 years left as President, but I will be around for 40+ years,” Musk wrote on his social media platform.
In other words: Make sure you think long and hard about what you do next, because you could live to regret it.
So assuming for the moment that this feud continues, who holds the cards?
There is no question that, if truly forced to choose, the vast majority of Republican powerbrokers would choose Trump. But it’s not quite so simple.
Vice President JD Vance, after hours of somewhat conspicuous silence Thursday, eventually came down firmly in Trump’s corner (in case there was any doubt) – albeit without criticizing Musk.