The world's richest man has picked a fight with the President of the United States for reasons that only he understands (if he does). I LIKE Elon; I want better for him than this.
Alex, I'm afraid you're on to something. It's honestly the only plausible explanation. It's entirely possible the relentless attacks from the left on Musk's Tesla business not only hit their mark, but had more of an intended effect than any anarchist could have dreamed. Let's hope Elon gets some help on this. It would be devastating across so many sectors if he were to succumb to an overdose.
Ha ha, but they should just release the files. It is very generic to say "the files" but the actual info is key to understanding what "the files mean".
As far as "trying to change it inevitably stirs powerful resistance that cannot just be waved away". There is really only one solution and that is to, like Trump did in 2020, end withholding taxes so that everyone pays quarterly or annually. It would enrage people to see the amount they are paying instead of having it divided over a year where it is more palatable.
Really? That’s the only plausible explanation? It can’t be because the guy works non-stop, has multiple huge companies, has a very public persona and a mob threatening his life and has dedicated the free time he doesn’t have to trying to make a big change for the country (which is the reason the mob is also after him)…and then watches all the work get flushed by politics as usual? Plus he has young children that he clearly spends time with. Most parents with a full time job and 1 you d child are ready to snap half the time.
You are quite probably right about the pressures on Elon. I think the pressure on him is more than almost anyone else could survive.
BUT - Can you tell me how Trump would be able to get what needs to be in the BBB through the Congress with it's current composition? I don't think it is "politics as usual" - it's an unfortunate fact of the current situation in DC. You can see from what Trump has already tried to do through EO's that he's serious about cutting spending/government size and fixing the immigration problem - but has met with continuous judicial blocks on all spending/immigration efforts - and slow-walking of anything he tries to do in the FBI/DOJ. The entire Deep State (and I include both the Bureacuracy, Intelligence Community - AND Congress in that blob) is united to blunt his ability to accomplish the task... not to mention that despite his fantastic win in November, nearly half of the voters in the US are opposed to what he's doing - so he's walking a knife edge to try to get done what he can.
I don't think he's anywhere near to having a real problem. Almost all of the behavior I've seen so far is either theater, in order to publicly distance himself from Trump (to avoid the appearance conflict-of-interest with his businesses), or explainable by an apparent ADHD/autism spectrum disorder. I would know, trust me.
Did he truly think Trump was beholden to him because he contributed an obscene amount of money? Even still Harris outspent him 2-1 and they still got hammered!
The whole thing is just depressing. I wanted a big tent coalition to fix your country, smashing the bloated state in the process, so it could serve as a beacon of hope for my country that is in shambles as Trudeau and Carney drown us in a sea of spending.
I did too. But don't despair. If you look closely, it's far more plausible that the two are still cooperating, even in the theatrics of their public split. After all, one of them is a reality TV star who is an expert at manipulating the media, and the other has a well-deserved reputation for blurting out whatever comes to his mind.
One is a well-experienced, savvy politician who gets things done, "working with the Army he has" and gains miles by the inch sometimes. The other is a unique individual not held down by Congress (which is recalcitrant and stupid on a good day), and he knows a lot - but he doesn't understand the DC sewer as well as he thought he did. They are excellent together, but Elon crossed lines yesterday that are not only rude - and the President is the one in charge. Who else wanted to snatch their phones away from them? Truly an unforced error. Drugs? Maybe, but that volatility doesn't work with a man carrying the free world on his shoulders.
Remember also that Trump does not even drink a little. Trump managed to overlook Musks’ substance dependence for a time because he was quite fascinated by his new brilliant friend. Perhaps Musk thought he could use that to exert power over DJT to his advantage - but finally realized Trump never lets anyone (ie NO ONE) in so far that he (Trump) gives away his power. Does that make sense? Petulance seems to be operating here and while Trump can seem petulant at times he is actually pretty much always in control. Musk apparently not so much.
I had flashbacks yesterday to the decade I spent with a multiple-substance addicted boss and the out-of-nowhere levels of unproductive rage and accusation that would emerge from it. I had to kind of suss out which of the many drugs or withdrawals might be causing which of the many overwrought emotions of the day ... which would then affect all the other employees we had to manage. I do hope whatever it is (drugs or not) that Elon gets / seeks help.
I like and agree with the alpha male differences that always made Trump and Musk challenging bedfellows. Their shared goals were not 100% and thus always at risk of conflict.
I do think though Musk is reading the political room better than is Trump at this point. I think political power causes a lack of self-awareness that an outside business leader still retains.
But then again, Trump is the winner here. He has political sense and judgement that seems to play in a dimension outside of the standard political spin engine. There are a lot of MAGA people pissed off about the lack of spending cuts in the Big Beautiful Budget bill... but Trump also knows that debt to invest in returns is a thing of beauty itself. He knows that austerity will cause a populist political backlash, and it will be directed at Republicans. Our national debt isn't so much a problem with real GDP is humming at 3% or more. Increased revenue from real GDP growth can be used to pay down the debt.
I am having this same debate with my CFO today. She is expense-focused and wants to cut. As CEO I am revenue focused and want to invest.
I think more of what Musk is upset about is the lack of congressional support for more DOGE cuts as the money is being spent to support the left NGO censorship and radical woke regime that is responsible for so much economic attacks and damage done to Musk's businesses.
I also like Musk a lot, I see him as a brilliant visionary who has the brains to match his dreams. He has given the world so much we all would be worse off without him in it. But I don't like his erratic behavior and if it is drug use that makes SO much sense right now. And it could also explain his split with Trump; Trump doesn't even drink, I doubt he would tolerate drug use in his presence.
I don't think Musk cares about what people say about him, but it has to be disturbing to be accused of being a Nazi for a ridiculous hand gesture and then to have people go after his livelihood -- the businesses that provide for not only his family, but tens of thousands of employees across the country.
All geniuses are crazy. It's just a matter of degree. We know that Musk is a genius and we know he has Asperger's. We know he takes drugs. He's right on the BBB, of course, but he's wrong to air his views publicly and especially to go for the throat. As a person who has worked for several politicians, I consider discretion about differences with the boss a prime directive. At most, you tell him your views in private and then resign to "spend more time with family". But, Musk knows no social mores and has no constraint on his own behavior. His 14 children by different women proves that.
Yes this is mostly true. I think the bill has more dynamic potential than the simple math people are seeing--even Elon. Elon just wants immediate results or bigger results than are possible. He should be pissed at congress anyway. Trump would cut more if he could.
The whole thing is depressing. Not in either of their camps but was hoping they could actually get something done together vis a vis government spending and accountability. What I've really learned from this is it is IMPOSSIBLE to reign in the blob. It will grow until it consumes us all. No matter how much you try, how smart or committed you will fail. I'm sure that knowledge sent Elon back to whatever medication he uses to self-soothe.
Unfortunately, this is the same conclusion that I've come to... we are just going to keep kicking the can down the road, whistling past the graveyard - whatever idiom of choice you want... power is the ultimate drug, and the people in congress and in the permanent buracuracy are high on it. Nothing will wean them off of it - it will require a "cold turkey" withdrawal. Also unfortunately - the pain of that withdrawal will fall on all of us, maybe even moreso than on those people. Now there is a possibility that when this event happens - we might go back to the Guillotine as a way of meeting out punishment for their folly. At my age I *think* I might die before this comes - but I'm sure that my children and grand children will not escape it. And that makes me saddest of all, as it is my generation and the other generations since WWII who have allowed it to happen. The most frightening is what form of governmental system will arise out of the chaos and how totalitarian it will be.
I agree. I know I won't be alive when it all comes crashing down. But as you say almost everybody would rather have the power than make the harsh decisions that need to be made.
So glad you wrote this, Alex! 2 most powerful. 2 contrasting STYLES. Glad you included comments of Epstein defense attorney and the Mar a Lago incident barring E. Personally, I consider it impossible that any horrible facts on T vis a vis E would remain hidden. You’re the 1st (I’ve read - this week) to note the drug concern. Knowing addiction up close, I would just ask all those who love the common goals for our nation and civilized world to join your championing for Musk’s best well-being. May we all hope and pray for grace, and good and right choices!!! Especially by those in authority!!!
I'm not addressing anything else in your article other than Musk's bruise.
I'm the grandmother of a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler. Her head is heavy and hard, like a bowling ball, which is good because she's still trying to figure out this walking thing. But not so good when she hits you in the face with it. I can easily believe that a five-year-old could cause a bruise.
I was at a mommy and me class with my youngest once. One of the other groups was a grandma and a granddaughter around 3. That child got overexcited and reared her head back and broke the grandmas nose. It was pretty appalling, honestly. I can absolutely believe Musk got that bruise from his kid. He never said that X punched him, just that he caused the bruise.
I totally believe Elon's son gave him the black eye! When my son was about 18 months old he was playing with a metal colander and waving it around and it hit me at the corner of my eye. I ended up with a black eye just like Elon's.
I hadn't looked at it this way. It's a good theory on why something so stupid is happening right now. Trump is known for his teetotaling ways. It's certainly annoying to be the only sober one in the room, so to speak. Wow. Someone intervene with Elon soon if this is the case. He's too smart and creative to end up drowned in a hot tub :(
Yes, he strikes me as being 'high' on something all the time now. I'm sure running the businesses and being involved in govt are a lot of stress. I also think he just doesn't have the social skills needed to deal with politics, DC, etc.
Maybe as an engineer, design person, he's fine but he just has too many kettles burning at once.
I'm sure a few phone calls last night from investors - Ackman, Ellison, etc. got him to tone it down.
He also seems like someone who is coming off a bender. He goes from end of the scale to other end. As someone who owns some TSLA stock, not happy with his craziness jacking with the stock price.
I'm considering selling it all as I'm sure others are too.
I personally see a rehab/mental time off in his future.
Alex, I'm afraid you're on to something. It's honestly the only plausible explanation. It's entirely possible the relentless attacks from the left on Musk's Tesla business not only hit their mark, but had more of an intended effect than any anarchist could have dreamed. Let's hope Elon gets some help on this. It would be devastating across so many sectors if he were to succumb to an overdose.
Agree, agree and at this point they should publish a list of who is NOT in the Epstein file, it would be much shorter
Ha ha, but they should just release the files. It is very generic to say "the files" but the actual info is key to understanding what "the files mean".
As far as "trying to change it inevitably stirs powerful resistance that cannot just be waved away". There is really only one solution and that is to, like Trump did in 2020, end withholding taxes so that everyone pays quarterly or annually. It would enrage people to see the amount they are paying instead of having it divided over a year where it is more palatable.
Eliminate taxes being deducted from paychecks all together. Make it a federal tax when you buy something eliminating a lot of tax fraud.
Totally agree about withholding. But imagine how hard it would be for IRS to collect. Harder than deporting 12 million.
Another silver lining. lol
They could make it up overnight with a National Sales Tax.
I’m not.
There, that’s one; anyone else?
I'm not either. But then I was never invited, so maybe it shouldn't count.
I don’t think we can forget that Elon is on the autistic spectrum. Outbursts are not out of the question.
And let us not forget...he is raising a young child right now. Not to mention, he has how many other kids?
Tremendous responsibilities that no amount of money can alleviate! Only good choices and grace to make them.
Really? That’s the only plausible explanation? It can’t be because the guy works non-stop, has multiple huge companies, has a very public persona and a mob threatening his life and has dedicated the free time he doesn’t have to trying to make a big change for the country (which is the reason the mob is also after him)…and then watches all the work get flushed by politics as usual? Plus he has young children that he clearly spends time with. Most parents with a full time job and 1 you d child are ready to snap half the time.
You are quite probably right about the pressures on Elon. I think the pressure on him is more than almost anyone else could survive.
BUT - Can you tell me how Trump would be able to get what needs to be in the BBB through the Congress with it's current composition? I don't think it is "politics as usual" - it's an unfortunate fact of the current situation in DC. You can see from what Trump has already tried to do through EO's that he's serious about cutting spending/government size and fixing the immigration problem - but has met with continuous judicial blocks on all spending/immigration efforts - and slow-walking of anything he tries to do in the FBI/DOJ. The entire Deep State (and I include both the Bureacuracy, Intelligence Community - AND Congress in that blob) is united to blunt his ability to accomplish the task... not to mention that despite his fantastic win in November, nearly half of the voters in the US are opposed to what he's doing - so he's walking a knife edge to try to get done what he can.
Musk is this generation's Howard Hughes.
So far, he's functional. I wonder how close he'll get to the edge of sanity, while all those creepy under-the-radar government actors plot and scheme.
Watch closely, everyone.
I need to re-watch The Aviator. The parallels are quite amazing.
My thoughts exactly!
Although I don't see any modern day Katharine Hepburn.
I don't think he's anywhere near to having a real problem. Almost all of the behavior I've seen so far is either theater, in order to publicly distance himself from Trump (to avoid the appearance conflict-of-interest with his businesses), or explainable by an apparent ADHD/autism spectrum disorder. I would know, trust me.
Did he truly think Trump was beholden to him because he contributed an obscene amount of money? Even still Harris outspent him 2-1 and they still got hammered!
The whole thing is just depressing. I wanted a big tent coalition to fix your country, smashing the bloated state in the process, so it could serve as a beacon of hope for my country that is in shambles as Trudeau and Carney drown us in a sea of spending.
More of this! I am not worried about these people. I am worried about the over spending.
Daniel! You’re spot on! I literally wrote the same thing here. There are bigger fish to fry and would like to see more coverage of real issues than this tabloid fight: https://unorthodoxy.substack.com/p/they-want-you-watching-elon-and-trump
I did too. But don't despair. If you look closely, it's far more plausible that the two are still cooperating, even in the theatrics of their public split. After all, one of them is a reality TV star who is an expert at manipulating the media, and the other has a well-deserved reputation for blurting out whatever comes to his mind.
One is a well-experienced, savvy politician who gets things done, "working with the Army he has" and gains miles by the inch sometimes. The other is a unique individual not held down by Congress (which is recalcitrant and stupid on a good day), and he knows a lot - but he doesn't understand the DC sewer as well as he thought he did. They are excellent together, but Elon crossed lines yesterday that are not only rude - and the President is the one in charge. Who else wanted to snatch their phones away from them? Truly an unforced error. Drugs? Maybe, but that volatility doesn't work with a man carrying the free world on his shoulders.
I did!
Especially given:
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/05/fbi-investigating-gop-lawmakers-receive-unsettling-calls-susie/
AI + phones / posts are a recipe for disaster.
Not errors, LEA7, but part of a larger plan. Don't underestimate these guys.
It explains President Trump's comment that Elon was wearing thin. The brawl outside the oval with Elon and Bessent was the understandable final straw.
Remember also that Trump does not even drink a little. Trump managed to overlook Musks’ substance dependence for a time because he was quite fascinated by his new brilliant friend. Perhaps Musk thought he could use that to exert power over DJT to his advantage - but finally realized Trump never lets anyone (ie NO ONE) in so far that he (Trump) gives away his power. Does that make sense? Petulance seems to be operating here and while Trump can seem petulant at times he is actually pretty much always in control. Musk apparently not so much.
Good point...one thing Trump is consistent on is NOT drinking or using drugs, unless you consider a Big Mac and fries a drug :)
And Diet Coke! LOL
Not sure it’s an addiction but can you really trust someone who likes his /her/their steaks very well done and ketchup? I mean, REALLY! 😊 😉
One of Trump's brothers was an alcoholic & died from his addiction. I believe Trump once said that this is why he is a teetotaler.
@Ilene-yes
Except when he debated Biden the first time, and maybe was suffering from Covid.
I had flashbacks yesterday to the decade I spent with a multiple-substance addicted boss and the out-of-nowhere levels of unproductive rage and accusation that would emerge from it. I had to kind of suss out which of the many drugs or withdrawals might be causing which of the many overwrought emotions of the day ... which would then affect all the other employees we had to manage. I do hope whatever it is (drugs or not) that Elon gets / seeks help.
Although I did see this yesterday -- Elon self-reporting his very recent clean drug test: https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1934879919059947788
My gut says Alex is onto something
I like and agree with the alpha male differences that always made Trump and Musk challenging bedfellows. Their shared goals were not 100% and thus always at risk of conflict.
I do think though Musk is reading the political room better than is Trump at this point. I think political power causes a lack of self-awareness that an outside business leader still retains.
But then again, Trump is the winner here. He has political sense and judgement that seems to play in a dimension outside of the standard political spin engine. There are a lot of MAGA people pissed off about the lack of spending cuts in the Big Beautiful Budget bill... but Trump also knows that debt to invest in returns is a thing of beauty itself. He knows that austerity will cause a populist political backlash, and it will be directed at Republicans. Our national debt isn't so much a problem with real GDP is humming at 3% or more. Increased revenue from real GDP growth can be used to pay down the debt.
I am having this same debate with my CFO today. She is expense-focused and wants to cut. As CEO I am revenue focused and want to invest.
I think more of what Musk is upset about is the lack of congressional support for more DOGE cuts as the money is being spent to support the left NGO censorship and radical woke regime that is responsible for so much economic attacks and damage done to Musk's businesses.
I also like Musk a lot, I see him as a brilliant visionary who has the brains to match his dreams. He has given the world so much we all would be worse off without him in it. But I don't like his erratic behavior and if it is drug use that makes SO much sense right now. And it could also explain his split with Trump; Trump doesn't even drink, I doubt he would tolerate drug use in his presence.
I don't think Musk cares about what people say about him, but it has to be disturbing to be accused of being a Nazi for a ridiculous hand gesture and then to have people go after his livelihood -- the businesses that provide for not only his family, but tens of thousands of employees across the country.
All geniuses are crazy. It's just a matter of degree. We know that Musk is a genius and we know he has Asperger's. We know he takes drugs. He's right on the BBB, of course, but he's wrong to air his views publicly and especially to go for the throat. As a person who has worked for several politicians, I consider discretion about differences with the boss a prime directive. At most, you tell him your views in private and then resign to "spend more time with family". But, Musk knows no social mores and has no constraint on his own behavior. His 14 children by different women proves that.
Yes this is mostly true. I think the bill has more dynamic potential than the simple math people are seeing--even Elon. Elon just wants immediate results or bigger results than are possible. He should be pissed at congress anyway. Trump would cut more if he could.
Excellent analysis. Im going to lean on this when talking to hysterical friends on both sides of the aisle.
Nailed it Alex.
Alex I think you are right. Something is off for musk to snap like this.
And all the left & msm can muse & scheme about is how to now leverage the rift between Trump & Musk in order to use Musk for their own devices.
Trump is mercurial but Musk didn't build a half dozen cutting edge businesses by being flighty.
True but you have to admit the anger is over the top.
It’s a temper-tantrum; hopefully it’ll pass and the adult will re-emerge.
Over-the-top, but not for him. He didn't go crazy, he went Elon.
The whole thing is depressing. Not in either of their camps but was hoping they could actually get something done together vis a vis government spending and accountability. What I've really learned from this is it is IMPOSSIBLE to reign in the blob. It will grow until it consumes us all. No matter how much you try, how smart or committed you will fail. I'm sure that knowledge sent Elon back to whatever medication he uses to self-soothe.
Unfortunately, this is the same conclusion that I've come to... we are just going to keep kicking the can down the road, whistling past the graveyard - whatever idiom of choice you want... power is the ultimate drug, and the people in congress and in the permanent buracuracy are high on it. Nothing will wean them off of it - it will require a "cold turkey" withdrawal. Also unfortunately - the pain of that withdrawal will fall on all of us, maybe even moreso than on those people. Now there is a possibility that when this event happens - we might go back to the Guillotine as a way of meeting out punishment for their folly. At my age I *think* I might die before this comes - but I'm sure that my children and grand children will not escape it. And that makes me saddest of all, as it is my generation and the other generations since WWII who have allowed it to happen. The most frightening is what form of governmental system will arise out of the chaos and how totalitarian it will be.
I agree. I know I won't be alive when it all comes crashing down. But as you say almost everybody would rather have the power than make the harsh decisions that need to be made.
So glad you wrote this, Alex! 2 most powerful. 2 contrasting STYLES. Glad you included comments of Epstein defense attorney and the Mar a Lago incident barring E. Personally, I consider it impossible that any horrible facts on T vis a vis E would remain hidden. You’re the 1st (I’ve read - this week) to note the drug concern. Knowing addiction up close, I would just ask all those who love the common goals for our nation and civilized world to join your championing for Musk’s best well-being. May we all hope and pray for grace, and good and right choices!!! Especially by those in authority!!!
I'm not addressing anything else in your article other than Musk's bruise.
I'm the grandmother of a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler. Her head is heavy and hard, like a bowling ball, which is good because she's still trying to figure out this walking thing. But not so good when she hits you in the face with it. I can easily believe that a five-year-old could cause a bruise.
I was at a mommy and me class with my youngest once. One of the other groups was a grandma and a granddaughter around 3. That child got overexcited and reared her head back and broke the grandmas nose. It was pretty appalling, honestly. I can absolutely believe Musk got that bruise from his kid. He never said that X punched him, just that he caused the bruise.
I totally believe Elon's son gave him the black eye! When my son was about 18 months old he was playing with a metal colander and waving it around and it hit me at the corner of my eye. I ended up with a black eye just like Elon's.
It's equally possible he got hit by a woman scorned. Perhaps a not-uncommon occurence given his proclivities.
I hadn't looked at it this way. It's a good theory on why something so stupid is happening right now. Trump is known for his teetotaling ways. It's certainly annoying to be the only sober one in the room, so to speak. Wow. Someone intervene with Elon soon if this is the case. He's too smart and creative to end up drowned in a hot tub :(
Yes, he strikes me as being 'high' on something all the time now. I'm sure running the businesses and being involved in govt are a lot of stress. I also think he just doesn't have the social skills needed to deal with politics, DC, etc.
Maybe as an engineer, design person, he's fine but he just has too many kettles burning at once.
I'm sure a few phone calls last night from investors - Ackman, Ellison, etc. got him to tone it down.
He also seems like someone who is coming off a bender. He goes from end of the scale to other end. As someone who owns some TSLA stock, not happy with his craziness jacking with the stock price.
I'm considering selling it all as I'm sure others are too.
I personally see a rehab/mental time off in his future.
Don’t sell on account of this (I have no ownership) doesn’t sound wise.
I won't sell my TSLA stock, if for no other reason than to support Musk. I also see a ton of Teslas in our neighborhood, and owners seem to love them.