Elon Musk ignited a firestorm within the MAGA movement Friday by labeling a segment of the Republican Party’s base as “contemptible fools” who should be purged from the GOP.
The remarks, made in a social media post, underscore a growing rift between Trump’s traditional supporters and the techno-libertarian elite now gaining influence in his incoming administration.
Elon Musk ignited a firestorm within the MAGA movement Friday by labeling a segment of the Republican Party’s base as “contemptible fools” who should be purged from the GOP. The remarks, made in a social media post, underscore a growing rift between Trump’s traditional supporters and the techno-libertarian elite now gaining influence in his incoming administration.
READ: CNN’s Scott Jennings Weighs In On Vivek Ramaswamy Squabble
The tensions highlight a burgeoning civil war within the MAGA movement over race, class, immigration, and the future direction of President-elect Donald Trump’s political agenda. Musk’s comments put him increasingly at odds with the predominantly white, working-class supporters who were instrumental in Trump’s rise to power.
This divide raises questions about whether Trump will side with his original base or align more closely with billionaire technocrats like Musk, who are shaping his administration’s policies.
The controversy erupted after Vivek Ramaswamy, co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and a Musk ally, posted a lengthy critique of American culture on Thursday. Ramaswamy lamented what he called the country’s “embrace of mediocrity” and called for a cultural shift to prioritize excellence and hard work.
Musk spent the following day defending Ramaswamy’s position and advocating for increased high-skilled immigration to fill tech jobs in the U.S., a stance that has alienated many within the MAGA base who prioritize limiting immigration to protect American workers.
The situation escalated when right-wing cartoonist and commentator Scott Adams criticized MAGA for adopting tactics he claimed resembled Democrats’ electoral missteps. Musk responded by agreeing and adding, “And those contemptible fools must be removed from the Republican Party, root and stem.”
For many in the MAGA base, Musk’s words struck a nerve, likening them to previous criticisms from Democrats, such as Hillary Clinton’s infamous “deplorables” remark. The backlash was swift and intense.
Richard Strocher, host of The Richard Strocher Show said, “Why are you calling 80 million Trump voters contemptible fools?”
Right-wing activist Laura Loomer, tagging Trump, lamented what she saw as a shift in MAGA’s priorities: “The Trump base is being replaced by Big Tech executives. So sad to see this. I feel so sad for MAGA.”
Andrew Torba, CEO of the social network Gab, declared, “He’s declaring war on us btw. Should go over well for him as it has for everyone else who has tried.”
The rift within MAGA puts Trump in a challenging position as he prepares to take office. Balancing the demands of his loyal working-class supporters with the influence of tech billionaires like Musk could define the direction of his second presidency.
Musk’s remarks are emblematic of the broader debate over the future of conservatism in the U.S., with tensions between traditionalist ideals and a more globalist, tech-driven vision.
Whether these factions can coexist under the MAGA umbrella remains to be seen, but the divisions are certain to impact Trump’s administration and Republican politics in the years ahead.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.