Trump and Musk: Pulling Back the Curtain on Their Relationship and the Media’s Divide-and-Conquer Strategy

In an era where politics, technology, and media intertwine more than ever, two of the most polarizing figures in modern history—Donald Trump and Elon Musk—have found themselves at the center of a complex, often contradictory, relationship.

While their interactions have been both cooperative and contentious, the broader picture reveals an intricate dance of influence, power, and public perception.

At the heart of their dynamic lies a common theme: defiance of traditional institutions. Both men have built their legacies on disrupting established norms—Trump in politics and Musk in technology.

Yet, despite their occasional clashes, they share a common enemy: the mainstream media. With news outlets often portraying them as either villains or saviors, Trump and Musk have taken it upon themselves to challenge what they perceive as a ‘divide-and-conquer’ strategy employed by the press.

A Relationship Defined by Pragmatism and Public Spats

Donald Trump and Elon Musk have maintained a relationship that is as unpredictable as it is newsworthy.

During Trump’s presidency, Musk served on the president’s business advisory councils but resigned in protest after Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord in 2017. Since then, their interactions have oscillated between admiration and criticism.

Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and now X (formerly Twitter), has often expressed libertarian-leaning views on government intervention, aligning with some of Trump’s policies while rejecting others.

While he has been vocal about his disdain for excessive regulation, Musk has also been critical of Trump’s handling of issues such as climate policy and COVID-19.

On the other hand, Trump, ever the provocateur, has both praised and lambasted Musk, depending on the situation. In July 2022, Trump referred to Musk as a “bullsh*t artist” for allegedly claiming he never voted for a Republican, only for Musk to respond with his usual online bravado, suggesting Trump should “hang up his hat and sail into the sunset.”

Despite such confrontations, both men recognize the benefits of occasionally aligning their interests.

The Media’s Role in Shaping the Narrative

While Trump and Musk are frequently at odds, their most consistent commonality is their shared animosity toward mainstream media.

Both figures claim that the press seeks to control narratives through selective reporting and bias, painting them in an unflattering light to maintain division among the public.

For Trump, this battle against the press has been a defining feature of his political identity.

From coining the term “fake news” to calling the media the “enemy of the people,” Trump has repeatedly clashed with outlets like CNN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.

He argues that the media deliberately fuels partisan divides, portraying him as a demagogue while downplaying the failures of his political opponents.

Musk, while historically less politically engaged, has become a significant figure in media discourse following his acquisition of Twitter (now X).

His decision to rebrand and restructure the platform, including dissolving its content moderation team and reinstating previously banned accounts, has made him a direct adversary of traditional media institutions.

Musk has positioned X as a bastion of free speech, frequently criticizing what he perceives as media manipulation and ideological gatekeeping.

Their joint distrust of the media has resulted in similar communication strategies. Both Trump and Musk prefer speaking directly to their audiences—Trump through his Truth Social platform and Musk through X.

By bypassing traditional media channels, they maintain control over their messaging, reinforcing their narratives while circumventing editorial framing.

The Divide-and-Conquer Allegation

Both Trump and Musk argue that mainstream media employs a divide-and-conquer strategy to weaken opposition figures and maintain control over public discourse.

This tactic, they claim, is evident in the way news organizations selectively cover and amplify conflicts between powerful figures, ensuring that political and cultural divisions remain entrenched.

Trump has long asserted that the media selectively amplifies controversies involving conservative figures while downplaying similar actions by those on the left.

He argues that this imbalance fosters societal discord, ensuring that Americans remain focused on their ideological differences rather than holding institutions accountable.

Musk has echoed similar sentiments, particularly in the wake of his Twitter acquisition.

He has accused legacy media of fueling hysteria over his platform’s policy changes while ignoring broader concerns about government involvement in tech censorship.

By framing the narrative as a war between ‘big tech billionaires’ and ‘democracy,’ media outlets, Musk argues, keep the public engaged in manufactured outrage rather than addressing systemic issues.

Strategic Alliances and Political Influence

Despite their past disputes, Trump and Musk understand the power of strategic alliances.

While Musk has refrained from explicitly endorsing Trump, his policy positions—particularly on free speech, regulatory overreach, and economic innovation—align more closely with conservative values than with progressive policies.

Musk’s critique of Biden’s administration, particularly on economic policies and electric vehicle incentives, has further distanced him from the Democratic establishment.

As the 2024 presidential election looms, the question of whether Musk will throw his support behind Trump remains open.

While Musk has previously expressed support for centrist candidates like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, his increasing criticism of Democratic policies suggests that he may be more aligned with Trump’s vision than he admits publicly.

Trump, on the other hand, recognizes Musk’s influence, particularly among younger, tech-savvy voters.

Musk’s ability to shape digital discourse through X makes him an invaluable ally in countering traditional media narratives.

Whether through implicit endorsements or shared messaging, the possibility of Trump leveraging Musk’s platform for political gain is not far-fetched.

Public Perception and the Battle for Narrative Control

Public sentiment toward both Trump and Musk is deeply polarized. Supporters view them as trailblazers willing to challenge the status quo, while detractors see them as reckless figures wielding too much power.

This division is largely influenced by how media outlets frame their actions, reinforcing either their heroism or their villainy.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, Trump and Musk’s ability to communicate directly with the public will play a crucial role in shaping their legacies.

Their shared disdain for traditional journalism has led them to create alternative platforms for discourse—Trump with Truth Social and Musk with X.

By doing so, they continue to challenge the conventional gatekeepers of information, fueling a larger debate about media ethics, free speech, and public trust.

Conclusion: An Unlikely but Impactful Relationship

Trump and Musk’s relationship is one of calculated pragmatism rather than personal camaraderie.

While their interactions have been marked by moments of friction, they share a mutual understanding of the power of influence—whether in politics, business, or media.

As the battle for narrative control rages on, their willingness to challenge mainstream institutions ensures that they will remain dominant figures in public discourse for years to come.

Whether they stand united or continue their occasional feuds, one thing is clear: both Trump and Musk have reshaped the way power is wielded in the digital age.

And as long as they continue to challenge the media’s role in shaping public perception, their impact will be felt far beyond their individual spheres of influence.