The strained relationship between former allies Donald Trump and Elon Musk has drawn widespread attention, particularly among social media users in China, where many support Musk.
The latest development involves Musk’s statement about potentially forming a new political group called the America party. This came after Trump’s tax and spending proposal, which Musk criticized as "unreasonable," was approved by the Senate. Musk had previously warned that he would oppose legislators supporting the measure, which is projected to expand the U.S. national debt by $3.3 trillion.
Shortly after the bill’s passage, the hashtag #MuskWantsToBuildAnAmericaParty trended on Weibo, accumulating over 37 million views. Some users expressed optimism about Musk’s influence, with one stating, "If Elon Musk starts a political movement, his tech-focused approach could bring new perspectives to governance. It’s an interesting possibility." Others echoed support, with one comment reading, "When things go too far, there’s no reason to stay silent."
Musk, head of Tesla and SpaceX, enjoys considerable admiration in China for his business and technological successes. Tesla is the sole foreign automaker competing effectively with local brands, and its largest production facility is based in Shanghai. Musk has maintained ties with Chinese officials, including Premier Li Qiang, while his mother, Maye Musk, is also well-known in the country.
Chinese audiences have long shown interest in American tech leaders, as seen in the popularity of biographies about figures like Steve Jobs and Musk.
In contrast, Trump is frequently viewed as erratic, known for initiating significant trade tensions with China. Some online commentators suggested both Musk and Trump should move past their disagreements, with one remarking, "These high-profile disputes just create unnecessary drama." Another user humorously noted, "It’s like watching a reality show about billionaire feuds."
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