Trump labels Musk a drug addict amid ongoing feud

In recent weeks, tensions have escalated between former U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. Their relationship soured primarily due to differing opinions over Trump's significant spending bill, which Musk criticized for its impact on the deficit. As Musk publicly attacked Trump, the former president expressed concern regarding Musk's alleged drug use during their interactions. Reports cited Musk’s use of substances such as ketamine, Adderall, and ecstasy, which he claimed to use for depression. This deterioration in their relationship was compounded by an alleged physical altercation between Musk and a member of Trump’s cabinet, further straining their connections. Former White House advisor Steve Bannon has advocated for an official investigation into Musk’s drug use, suggesting a special counsel might oversee the inquiry. He highlighted how Musk’s purported drug habits posed a significant concern regarding his security clearance status, implying that such behavior would not pass scrutiny among standard governmental processes. Musk has consistent rebuttals against these allegations and stated he would have been dismissed as a security risk if he were a lesser official. Furthermore, Bannon characterized Musk's claims of discovering waste in government spending as fraudulent, deepening their public discourse. Trump's administration seems to be considering actions that could retaliate against Musk, which might include scrutinizing the billionaire’s existing government contracts. This potential response appears rooted in Musk's public critique and the deepening rift between the two men, who once shared a mutually beneficial relationship. It highlights a climate of mistrust and animosity, with Trump cautioning those in proximity not to inflame hostilities, albeit while maintaining his critical stance on Musk's behavior. The broader implications of this rivalry underscore the potential consequences for Musk's businesses, especially if governmental scrutiny leads to adverse effects on his lucrative contracts. These developments hint at the growing divide between influential figures in the American political and business landscapes, emphasizing that personal relationships can swiftly turn contentious in the public eye, further complexifying the relationship between business and government in the U.S.