The most revealing aspect of this fallout is the manner in which the MAGA movement relies so heavily on the cult of personality for its identity. While the movement has always had a united xenophobia at its core, for the most part Trump’s followers support whatever inane ramblings coagulate sufficiently to resemble an opinion.
There are millions that genuinely seem to believe him to be infallible, and unconditionally adjust their policy stances depending on Trump’s latest Executive Order or late-night tweet. There is no equivalent in the progressive realm, where politicians tend to nervously react to the crowd rather than dictate to them.
But for the past 10 or so months, this cult worshipped a dual deity. Another infallible saviour being unfairly persecuted for trying to save the USA from its seemingly inevitable demise. The more Musk became the subject of derision and contempt from the Left, the more confident the MAGA movement became in his righteousness.
Musk not only donated $250 million to Trump’s campaign, he unashamedly manipulated his newly purchased social media platform to artificially shape what had previously been one of the most influential information spaces in the world. Musk wasn’t just a media mogul, he was a man who knew how to use this fantastic weapon of misinformation to strategically tip the scales of democracy.
Trump himself once said: “He knows those computers better than anybody. All those computers. Those vote-counting computers. And we ended up winning Pennsylvania like in a landslide.”
On a human level, I have concerns for Musk’s mental health, just as I have for many months. But now he is entering a much darker place. He has alienated most of humanity in pursuit of the validation of Trump’s supporters… if there is no quick reconciliation, I suspect they will quickly turn on him, just as they did on Mike Pence, Jeff Sessions, and Bill Barr.
I feel for him because I understand he is likely somewhat neurologically diverse, and I can see that this has likely influenced much of his behaviour that we find cringeworthy. But it doesn’t absolve him of his immorality, his shameless racism, his callous indifference to the consequences of his actions, and the megalomania that convinced him he had the right to dictate the manifestations of democracy to the world.
I don’t know what happens next.
I think both men are petulant, capricious, and have fragile egos. But both also realise that the other can make their life hell. I don’t think either are principled enough to sacrifice themselves for a cause, but both would unhesitatingly spite themselves to preserve their pride. This still feels like an argument over ego.
The unapologetic juvenility of the public spat draws into sharp focus the manner in which human history is now being written by emotionally unstable boys who were never taught how to become men. These are the ones making the decisions that affect the welfare of billions without the restraint of self-doubt… deluded by their courtiers to believe in their own omnipotence.
But spare a thought for your MAGA friends right now, still not sure whether they have to pick a side yet, knowing full well that Trump has taken many an enemy into his inner circle and ordered them to provide sycophantic platitudes to the thirsty media pack.
His current Vice President once called him “America’s Hitler”, his current Secretary of State once called him “the most vulgar person to ever aspire to the presidency”. It’s difficult to think of anything that Musk can say that would prevent his sudden rehabilitation within MAGA the moment Trump sanctions it.
On first assessment, I don’t foresee any major negative ramifications for the rest of us from an indefinite splintering of the relationship, or indeed of the “alt-right” movement. I also don’t expect Vance will side with Musk if that happened — his path to the Presidency remains on the coattails of Trump’s popularity more than Musk’s money.
If permanent, it may slice off a handful of tech-bro supporters that Musk lured to the party, but I have long since ceased asking if Trump’s base care about the chaos. They will remain committed to their faith.
So this might be one of the few times we can enjoy this clown show with all the schadenfreude we deserve after a tough few months. Yes, it’s a distraction, but it’s the weekend… let yourself enjoy the show for once. So please, put your best Musk/Trump memes in the comments.
Long may Musk’s ketamine high last…