Trump: Wish Musk well

Trump: Wish Musk well

In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly wished Elon Musk well, signaling a potential thaw in their ongoing feud. This comes amidst a series of high-profile disputes between the two, which have captured global attention and even led to betting markets wagering on various outcomes, including a potential physical fight [1].

The feud between Trump and Musk, the world’s most powerful man and the world’s richest man respectively, has evolved from a heated social media exchange into a high-profile spectacle. The dispute originated from Musk's criticism of Trump’s legislative package, specifically the removal of electric vehicle tax credits, which directly threatens Tesla's competitive edge in the automotive market [1].

The latest development in the feud is Trump's wish for Musk's well-being. This comes after a series of public rebukes and financial repercussions for Tesla, including a severe 14 percent drop in stock value, which wiped out roughly $150 billion in market value [1]. Musk has accused Trump of ingratitude, claiming that without his support, Trump would have lost the election. Trump, in response, has dismissed Musk as having "lost his mind" and refused calls for reconciliation [1].

The physical altercation between Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, which occurred in mid-April, has further strained their relationship. According to right-wing strategist and podcaster Stephen K Bannon, tensions boiled over during a heated dispute over who would lead the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The altercation, which reportedly involved a physical scuffle, has been cited as a culmination of Musk’s failure to deliver tangible results as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chief [2].

Despite the escalating feud, Trump has now publicly wished Musk well, signaling a possible shift in their dynamic. This development is significant as it comes amidst ongoing speculation about Musk's potential political ambitions and his plan to launch a new political party to represent the "80 percent in the middle" [1].

However, the future of their relationship remains uncertain. Blockchain-based Polymarket assigns only a 31 percent chance that Trump and Musk will publicly reconcile before July, with a mere 1 percent chance that Trump will apologize by early June [1]. Meanwhile, rival site Kalshi projects a 57 percent probability of a phone call between the two before July, yet Musk's unfollowing Trump on social media carries a 20-27 percent chance, indicating that social media warfare may continue even if private dialogue occurs [1].

References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/trump-vs-musk-bettors-place-the-odds-as-trump-and-ego-elon-musks-feud-turns-into-a-high-stakes-public-spectacle/articleshow/121723446.cms
[2] https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/insiders-reveal-a-physical-fight-broke-out-between-musk-and-bessent-later-trump-called-elon-a-drug-addict/3872513/