Taylor Lorenz’s Power User Elon vs Trump Explained w/ Brace Belden
Jun 11, 2025
Brace Belden, co-host of TrueAnon and expert on the right-wing internet, dives into the turbulent relationship between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. They discuss Musk's fall from grace in the MAGA world after financially backing Trump. The conversation reveals how this rift could reshape the political landscape, touching on Musk's complex influence and the implications for billionaires in politics. Belden also critiques the meme culture around their public exchanges and explores the self-destructive patterns of powerful figures in today's social media age.
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Elon's Shift from DeSantis to Trump
- Elon Musk initially supported DeSantis as a less chaotic conservative alternative to Trump.
- However, following the 2022 assassination attempt on Trump, Elon quickly pivoted to openly back Trump and heavily support his campaign.
Elon's Ambiguous Government Role
- Elon Musk's government role at DOGE was largely symbolic and staffed by young Elon admirers.
- His efforts to cut government spending were mostly superficial and disconnected from actual budget authority.
Musk's Paradox on Government Subsidies
- Much of Tesla's profitability depends on government subsidies like EV credits.
- Musk criticized cutting government spending but relies heavily on government support for his companies.
