Economist Podcasts

Billion dollar babies: Trump-Musk spat

131 snips
Jun 6, 2025
Ed Carr, Deputy Editor at The Economist, and Zanny Minton Beddoes, the Editor-in-Chief, tackle the fallout between Trump and Musk, exploring its implications on both politics and business. They analyze how this rivalry reflects deeper divides within tech and political spheres. The conversation also dives into the Israeli far-right's influence on the Gaza conflict and scrutinizes the declining popularity of rhyme in modern poetry, revealing how cultural shifts impact artistic expression.
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INSIGHT

Trump-Musk Feud Emerges

  • The Trump-Musk relationship turned sour publicly with sharp criticisms over a major tax bill and personal motives.
  • Their public feud reveals the fragility of alliances between powerful figures and political dynamics in the MAGA movement.
INSIGHT

Tensions Trigger Fallout

  • Tensions built inside the Trump administration due to Musk's stance and conflicts with Treasury and MAGA figures.
  • The administration unsuccessfully aimed for a dignified exit, but public spats erupted instead.
INSIGHT

Business Risks from Feud

  • The feud has tangible business impacts with Tesla shares plummeting and threats to Musk's contracts and security clearances.
  • Key MAGA figures advocate punitive actions against Musk beyond public criticism.
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