General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSo if Musk and Trump end up hating one another, who has more to lose?
Feel free to add to this.
Ways Trump Could Hurt Musk
Government Contracts:
Attempt to teriminate or reduce SpaceXs contracts with NASA, the Department of Defense, or other government agencies. However, these contracts are typically subject to legal protections and oversight, limiting arbitrary termination.
Influence contract awards for future projects to favor competitors like Blue Origin.
Regulatory Pressure:
Push for stricter regulatory scrutiny on Tesla, SpaceX, or Musk's other companies through agencies like the SEC, FAA, ect.
Direct investigations or audits into compliance with environmental laws or labor practices. Tariffs and Trade Policies:
Implement tariffs or policies affecting Tesla's global supply chains or sales, particularly in markets like China where Tesla has significant production and sales.
Public Campaigns:
Use his political platform to disparage Musk or his companies, potentially influencing public perception and investor confidence.
Influence Over Legislation:
Back legislative efforts targeting Big Tech or green energy subsidies that could harm Tesla or Starlink.
Social Media Pressure:
Use his influence on social media to mobilize his base against Musks businesses or products.
Ways Musk Could Hurt Trump
Public Criticism:
Use his substantial social media platform (e.g., Twitter/X) to publicly criticize Trump, potentially influencing public perception or drawing attention to controversies.
Economic Leverage:
Restrict or moderate Trumps presence on platforms Musk controls (e.g., X), impacting his ability to communicate with his base effectively.
Limit services for Trump's business ventures or political campaigns via Starlink or other Musk-owned technologies.
Financial Influence:
Use his wealth to support Trump's political opponents or fund advocacy campaigns against Trump's policies or candidates aligned with him.
Withhold technologies (e.g., Starlink) that might be useful for Trump's business or political ventures. Cultural Clout:
gab13by13
(25,671 posts)Putin
Musk
Trump
And Trump knows it.
Buzz cook
(2,640 posts)So I doubt he'll have the ability to recognize a loss or a win.