Why Elon Musk's Attack On Trump Might Be A Genius Move

Forbes

08-06-2025

Is Musk the next Kingmaker?
To many watching, Elon Musk's decision to publicly insult President Trump seemed self-destructive, if not outright irrational. After all, Trump is not merely a political contender; he is the sitting President of the United States. And his administration holds the keys to massive government contracts awarded to Musk's companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink, and The Boring Company. From electric vehicle subsidies to multi-billion-dollar defense and aerospace deals, Musk's empire is deeply intertwined with Washington policy.
So why provoke the President? Why risk alienating the one person who could shut off the federal faucet?
At first glance, Musk's recent behavior—mocking Trump's persona and publicly undermining his hallmark tax bill—seems reckless. But what if it is not?
While some of this may sound far-fetched, it is not without basis—and not without bias. With significant financial exposure to both Tesla and SpaceX, there is naturally a tendency among investors and observers alike to view Musk's actions as part of a broader strategic play rather than a misstep. It is a theory shaped by both market history and hope. And given Musk's repeated success turning volatility into advantage, it remains a plausible—if highly speculative—possibility.
What if the world's richest man is executing a deliberate and calculated power move—not for short-term gain, but for long-term positioning?
Consider the numbers. In late 2024 and early 2025, Musk reportedly spent over $300 million supporting Trump's return to the White House—through media platforms, political donations, and influence networks. That support may have helped secure Trump's narrow path to reelection. Within months of Trump's victory, Musk's net worth surged by over $150 billion—a staggering 500x return on his political 'investment.' Arguably, it was the fastest rise in personal net worth in recorded human history.
That type of asymmetric gain does not happen by accident. It happens by design.
And Musk is still only 53 years old—a young man by political standards. He has decades ahead of him, along with a seemingly endless stream of ideas, energy, and capital. He may not be eligible to run for President himself (as a naturalized citizen), but he is more than capable of shaping who does—and what ideas dominate the political conversation.
Importantly, Musk now controls X (formerly Twitter), one of the most powerful social media platforms in the world. With it, he can shape narratives, amplify allies, and control the flow of political discourse at a scale no traditional media outlet can match. He also has virtually unlimited capital at his disposal—far beyond the reach of any political action committee or super PAC.
In effect, Elon Musk could become the most influential political kingmaker of our era.
And let us not forget: many have underestimated Musk before—and paid dearly. Short-sellers have repeatedly tried to bet against him, only to be humiliated. Tesla has suffered steep declines, but time and again, the stock has rebounded with explosive force, wiping out billions in short positions. Betting against Musk has become a high-risk proposition, bordering on financial self-destruction.
He thrives in volatility. He welcomes chaos. And he has mastered the art of turning doubt into dominance.
During his brief but highly publicized 'Spring Internship' in the White House, Musk likely absorbed far more than just headlines. He got a firsthand view of how political messaging is crafted, how power is distributed, and how influence is accumulated—not just through policy, but through provocation, platform control, and personal brand.
And perhaps this is not personal—it is transactional. Musk left the White House with what many interpreted as a symbolic 'golden key': access, influence, and alignment. Yet, within days of departing, he turned sharply critical. This timing suggests not a spontaneous outburst, but a calculated pivot.
Some speculate that Trump's decision to reject Musk's preferred candidate for NASA Administrator may have played a role. Others point to the fact that Tesla—despite leading the EV revolution—was excluded from new vehicle credits in Trump's proposed tax package. The omission could cost Tesla billions. Was Musk's shift ideological? Possibly. But more likely, it was about money and control.
And Trump likely understands that.
To be clear, President Trump is doing nothing wrong in this exchange. In fact, he has remained composed, focused on his policy agenda, and largely above the fray. He appears presidential. And perhaps he recognizes what others may not: the proverbial sandbox is plenty big for both of them. There is room in American politics for powerful forces to compete—and coexist.
Critics may call Musk's approach erratic, but history has shown that he often plays the long game better than anyone. Maybe this public feud is not a mistake. Maybe it is a strategic play to build influence, control narratives, and shape the next decade of power and innovation.
Maybe, just maybe—it is genius.
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Additional Disclosure Note: The author has an affiliation with ERShares and the XOVR ETF. The intent of this article is to provide objective information; however, readers should be aware that the author may have a financial interest in the subject matter discussed. As with all equity investments, investors should carefully evaluate all options with a qualified investment professional before making any investment decision. Private equity investments, such as those held in XOVR, may carry additional risks—including limited liquidity—compared to traditional publicly traded securities. It is important to consider these factors and consult a trained professional when assessing suitability and risk tolerance.