The uneasy alliance between tech billionaire Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump just hit a major speed bump—right after Trump received some very bad news.

After securing a top spot in Trump's cabinet, concerns grow as Elon Musk influences the U.K.'s future ties with the U.S. | Fortune Europe

As Trump faces mounting legal troubles and a drop in key polls, Elon Musk has made comments that many are interpreting as a clear public distancing—some even say betrayal.

100% chance Trump throws Elon under the bus in 2025', predicts 'time traveller' - Hindustan Times

Elon Musk: “He’s Not the Right Person”

Following Trump’s recent guilty verdict in a high-profile civil case, Elon Musk took to a livestream on X (formerly Twitter) to say:

“I don’t think he’s the right person to lead America into the future.”

Trump Will Hate Time Cover Of Musk At His Desk: PHOTO - Comic Sands

The comment sent shockwaves across social media, especially since Musk had previously been seen as sympathetic—or at least open—to Trump’s 2024 campaign.

Hàng loạt nhân sự Ban Hiệu suất Chính phủ Mỹ từ chức để phản đối Elon Musk

Why Is Elon Turning on Trump Now?

Analysts believe Musk is calculating the risks of being associated with Trump, whose legal issues, controversial rhetoric, and polarizing persona could threaten Musk’s broader ambitions—both business and political.

Musk shows he has 'no idea' how government works in Sean Hannity interview | Irish Star

With Musk trying to position himself as an independent voice in American politics, breaking ties with Trump might be a strategic move to maintain credibility with a wider audience, including investors, regulators, and moderate voters.

There’s also speculation that Musk is toying with the idea of backing a third-party candidate—or even playing kingmaker in the upcoming election.

Elon Musk Looks Fascinated by Ceiling at Trump Inauguration

Trump Allies Fire Back

Not surprisingly, voices from Trump’s inner circle fired back. Some advisors took to Truth Social and conservative outlets to dismiss Musk as “a tech elitist chasing headlines,” and claimed “Trump doesn’t need validation from billionaires who flip-flop.”

Elon Musk: Is the Silicon Valley billionaire on the way up or down? - ABC News

Still, Musk’s comments sting—especially considering his influence over millions of followers and his growing role in shaping political narratives online.

Congress take on Elon Musk? Don't count on it. - POLITICO

The Bigger Picture

While Musk hasn’t officially endorsed another candidate, his recent remarks are a clear signal: Trump may no longer be the man he sees fit for the job.

And that could spell trouble for Trump’s 2024 comeback—because when even the most powerful voices in tech start turning their backs, the road to the White House gets even rockier.