What's happened
Elon Musk changed his cellphone number and stopped responding to Mike Johnson after a dispute over the US tax-and-spending bill. Musk's public disagreements with Trump and plans for a new political party have strained their relationship, with Musk also facing scrutiny from Tesla shareholders over his political ambitions.
What's behind the headline?
Musk's recent actions reflect a complex interplay between his business interests, political ambitions, and personal relationships. His public feud with Trump and the GOP, coupled with his plans for a new political party, threaten his standing with shareholders and could impact Tesla's valuation. The board's potential oversight indicates concern over Musk's political pursuits distracting from corporate governance. The timing suggests Musk's political ambitions are increasingly at odds with his role as CEO, risking legal and financial repercussions. This situation underscores the broader challenge of tech leaders balancing personal politics with corporate responsibilities, especially when their actions influence investor confidence and regulatory scrutiny.
What the papers say
The Independent reports Musk's cellphone number change following a dispute with Mike Johnson over the 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' highlighting Musk's frustration with political disagreements and his plans for a new party. The NY Post details Musk's public fallout with Johnson, noting Musk's criticism of the bill and his social media activity, including plans for a centrist party. The South China Morning Post provides context on the bill's economic impact and its political implications, emphasizing the strained relationship between Musk and Trump amid broader geopolitical tensions. Contrasting opinions from these sources reveal a narrative of Musk as a politically active entrepreneur whose ambitions are causing friction within his business and political circles, with potential legal and shareholder consequences looming.
How we got here
The recent US law, signed by Trump, is projected to increase national debt by $3.3 trillion over ten years and reduce Americans' health coverage. Musk publicly opposed the bill, criticizing its impact on the deficit and EV subsidies, and expressed plans to launch a centrist political party. His relationship with Trump and the GOP has deteriorated, partly due to disagreements over fiscal policies and Musk's political activities, including his White House involvement and social media posts.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Did Elon Musk Change His Phone Number and What Does It Mean for His Politics?
Elon Musk's recent decision to change his phone number has sparked curiosity and speculation. This move comes amid rising tensions with political figures like Trump and Mike Johnson, as well as Musk's plans for a new political party. Many wonder what this means for his relationships, his influence, and his future ambitions. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Musk's political moves and public disputes.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Elon Reeve Musk FRS is an engineer, industrial designer, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder, CEO, CTO and chief designer of SpaceX; early investor, CEO and product architect of Tesla, Inc.; founder of The Boring Company; co-foun