After a 40-minute delay marred by technical glitches on X Spaces, Donald Trump finally sat down for a much-anticipated conversation with Elon Musk. The unscripted talk, as advertised, was filled with controversial statements and unexpected turns, beginning with Trump declaring that “illegal immigration saved” his life—a reference to a previous assassination attempt, despite his earlier promise not to discuss the topic.
The comment drew laughter from both Trump and Musk, setting the tone for an interview that veered from one topic to another, often without a clear direction. Musk, who has become increasingly vocal in his support for Trump, used the opportunity to praise the former president’s resilience, particularly highlighting the now-iconic photo taken after the assassination attempt. Musk even credited the image as a pivotal moment that solidified his public backing of Trump.
As the interview progressed, Trump returned to familiar themes, including his views on immigration. He warned of “caravans” of migrants that are “not friendly,” suggesting that those crossing the border are coming from “prisons and mental asylums.” Trump also name-dropped countries like Congo and Guatemala and claimed that people are arriving from nations that have “bombed Israel,” a tactic aimed at stoking fear among his base.
Shifting gears, Trump praised Venezuela’s policies under President Nicolás Maduro, where forces have reportedly detained over 2,000 people for protesting against the government or questioning election results. In his usual style, Trump jumped between topics rapidly, leaving Musk struggling to steer the conversation toward economics—a subject he was keen to discuss. Musk lectured the audience on inflation, with Trump chiming in to question the “price of bacon” and talk about “large tax cuts.”
In a surprising moment, Musk expressed interest in a potential future role in government, specifically suggesting the creation of a “government efficiency commission” that he could help lead. “I think it would be great to just have a government efficiency commission that takes a look at these things and just ensures that the taxpayer money, the taxpayers’ hard-earned money, is spent in a good way,” Musk stated. Trump, in turn, endorsed the idea, telling Musk, “I’d love it for you. You’re the greatest cutter.”
The conversation then took another sharp pivot as the two discussed nuclear energy. Both agreed that the term “nuclear” carries a negative connotation and even joked about rebranding it, with Trump bizarrely suggesting it be named after Musk.
Musk’s open support for Trump has caused a stir in Silicon Valley, where tech leaders typically avoid public endorsements. His decision to reinstate Trump’s account on X, following a suspension after the January 6 Capitol riots, further highlighted his conservative leanings. Trump, who had been absent from the platform for nearly a year, re-engaged with his followers in the hours leading up to the interview, firing off a series of posts that included attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris.
The conversation between Trump and Musk, although chaotic, showcased the growing alliance between the two billionaires and hinted at potential collaborations in the future. As Trump continues to prepare for the 2024 election, Musk’s backing could play a significant role in shaping the political landscape.