Elon Musk responded to former President Donald Trump’s claim that Musk is “another bull—t artist.” Trump was referring to Musk backing out of the Twitter deal and saying Musk voted for him, although Musk says that he voted Republican for the first time in 2022 for Texas Rep. Mayra Flores.
Musk said the deal was off, citing Twitter’s “bot” problem, but this could be far from over, as Musk’s deal might be settled in court. Trump said during his rally in Anchorage, Alaska:
“Elon. Elon. Elon. He’s not going to buy Twitter … And where did you hear that before? From me … He’s got himself a mess, I’ve looked at his contract … Ya know, Elon says he’s never voted Republican, but I didn’t know that because he told me that he voted for me, so he’s another bull—t artist.”
It is unclear whether Musk voted for Trump, Biden, or at all in 2020; however, he did mention that he voted for former President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012.
Another reason Trump could have called him out is that Musk noted that he is leaning towards and will likely vote for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) in 2024 if he chooses to run for President.
Musk responded today to Trump on Twitter:
“I don’t hate the man, but it’s time for Trump to hang up his hat & sail into the sunset. Dems should also call off the attack – don’t make it so that Trump’s only way to survive is to regain the Presidency.”
Although Musk said he would vote Republican, it does not seem likely he will vote for Trump in 2024 if Trump decides to run for a second term. Musk added:
“Trump would be 82 at end of term, which is too old to be chief executive of anything, let alone the United States of America. If DeSantis runs against Biden in 2024, then DeSantis will easily win – he doesn’t even need to campaign.”
When syndicated talkshow host Joe Pagliarulo mentioned the Trump administration’s accomplishments, Elon said:
“Yeah, but too much drama. Do we really want a bull in a china shop situation every single day!? Also, I think the legal maximum age for start of Presidential term should be 69.”
Recently, in the New York Times/Sienna College poll, a Michigan teacher who voted for Biden in 2020 said:
“I’m just going to come out and say it: I want younger blood … I am so tired of all old people running our country. I don’t want someone knocking on death’s door.”
It will be an interesting primary if DeSantis and Trump both run in 2024, but Musk has made it clear that he will support DeSantis if he runs.