In a startling revelation that has reignited scrutiny over the complex dynamic between tech mogul Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump, a former senior Trump administration official has come forward with what they claim is “proof” that Musk privately considers Trump “an idiot,” despite public gestures of political alignment in recent years.
Public Allies, Private Disdain?
The disclosure comes from a former White House communications strategist, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to ongoing legal counsel and a forthcoming memoir. The official alleges that during a high-level policy meeting in early 2020, Musk openly mocked the then-president’s understanding of artificial intelligence and space policy.
“Elon leaned toward me and said, ‘I can’t believe I’m explaining orbital mechanics to this idiot,’” the official claims. “He was laughing, but it wasn’t a joke. He was visibly irritated.”
According to the former aide, the comment came moments after Trump reportedly asked if Mars missions could be completed in “a couple of years if we skipped the testing stuff.” Musk allegedly stared blankly for a moment before turning to the official and muttering the now infamous remark.
A Pattern of Discreet Criticism
This is not the first time whispers of Musk’s contempt for Trump have surfaced. Walter Isaacson’s 2023 biography Elon Musk described the billionaire as “privately dismissive” of Trump, quoting Musk as calling Trump “a champion of bullshit” and someone who “doesn’t get how science or reality works.”
At the time, neither Musk nor his representatives denied those quotes, and Trump—never one to let a jab go unanswered—posted on Truth Social: “Elon should thank me. I made him richer, and now he thinks he’s too smart for the rest of us. Sad!”
Still, Musk remained careful to publicly distance himself from overt criticism of the former president. In 2022, he tweeted that he would vote Republican in future elections and said, “Trump should hang up his hat and sail into the sunset,” describing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a preferable candidate. However, he stopped short of any deeper personal attacks.
Screenshots, Sighs, and Sarcasm
In support of the recent allegation, the former aide has shared screenshots of what appear to be internal Signal messages between senior tech and policy advisers. One message, allegedly sent from Musk’s verified account, reads: “Meeting with the orange toddler today. Pray for me.”
Another, time-stamped during a White House dinner in March 2020, says: “He asked if SpaceX can ‘nuke a hurricane.’ I wish I were kidding. I’m surrounded by lunatics.”
While these texts have not yet been independently verified, they have been handed over to several investigative journalists and appear to be undergoing authentication by experts in digital forensics.
Trump Camp Fires Back
Predictably, the Trump campaign has denounced the allegations. Campaign spokesperson Liz Harrington called them “laughable, fabricated, and desperate.”
“Elon Musk has been a visionary ally to President Trump’s agenda,” Harrington stated. “Anyone who believes anonymous sources and fake screenshots over four years of mutual respect isn’t paying attention.”
Yet political insiders note the relationship between Musk and Trump has always been one of convenience rather than conviction.
“Musk is a political mercenary,” said Dr. Eliza Pennington, a political analyst at Georgetown University. “He aligns with whoever lets him launch rockets and reduce regulation. But admiration? That’s never been part of the equation.”
Friends, Foes, or Frenemies?
Their uneasy alliance began in 2017 when Musk accepted an invitation to join Trump’s advisory councils. He left them abruptly after Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement. Since then, their interactions have oscillated between strategic praise and backhanded critiques.
“Trump admires power. Elon admires intellect,” said a former Tesla board member. “They don’t respect each other. They use each other.”
This dynamic came into sharper focus in 2024, when Musk’s X platform (formerly Twitter) reinstated Trump’s account but quietly throttled its reach. According to internal documents leaked in January 2025, Trump’s engagement numbers on X were reportedly capped by moderation algorithms, despite public statements about restoring free speech.
What Comes Next
With the former aide’s memoir set to be released this summer, and the 2024 presidential race still fresh in voters’ minds, the Musk-Trump relationship is once again under the microscope.
If the allegations gain traction, they could erode the perception—especially among conservative voters—that Musk is a sincere supporter of Trump-era values. Conversely, Musk’s loyal fanbase, which often praises him as a free-thinking contrarian, may not care.
“Elon could call Trump a Martian frog, and his followers would still buy Tesla stock,” joked comedian Hasan Minhaj during a recent stand-up special. “He’s not a politician. He’s a cult of personality with a launch pad.”
As the former aide continues media rounds and provides documentation to reporters, the bigger question looms: Was this just an isolated moment of private frustration, or a glimpse into what Musk truly believes behind closed doors?
For now, the public has only fragments—but in the age of screenshots and whistleblowers, fragments have a way of turning into full-blown exposés.