Elon Musk ignited controversy within the MAGA movement on Friday by describing a segment of the Republican Party’s base as “contemptible fools” who should be removed from the GOP. The statement, shared in a social media post, highlights an emerging divide between Trump’s traditional supporters and the techno-libertarian elite influencing his administration.
The tensions underscore a growing internal conflict within MAGA over issues like race, class, immigration, and the future direction of Donald Trump’s political agenda. Musk’s comments have placed him increasingly at odds with the predominantly white, working-class supporters who played a critical role in Trump’s rise to power.
This divide raises questions about whether Trump will align with his original base or favor billionaire technocrats like Musk, who are shaping policy discussions.
The controversy began after Vivek Ramaswamy, co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and a Musk ally, criticized American culture in a social media post on Thursday. He lamented what he called the country’s “embrace of mediocrity” and called for a cultural shift toward excellence and hard work.
Musk defended Ramaswamy’s stance the following day, advocating for high-skilled immigration to fill tech jobs—a position that has alienated many MAGA supporters who prioritize restricting immigration to protect American workers.
The situation escalated when right-wing cartoonist and commentator Scott Adams criticized MAGA for adopting tactics he claimed resembled Democratic strategies. Musk agreed, adding, “And those contemptible fools must be removed from the Republican Party, root and stem.”
For many in the MAGA base, Musk’s remarks echoed previous criticisms from Democrats, such as Hillary Clinton’s infamous “deplorables” comment, sparking swift backlash.
Richard Strocher, host of The Richard Strocher Show, reacted sharply: “Why are you calling 80 million Trump voters contemptible fools?”
Right-wing activist Laura Loomer expressed dismay, tagging Trump in a post: “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 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 creates a challenging dynamic for Trump as he prepares to assume office. Balancing the demands of his working-class base with the influence of tech elites like Musk could shape the direction of his presidency.
Musk’s remarks symbolize broader debates about conservatism’s future in the U.S., highlighting tensions between traditionalist values and a more globalist, tech-driven vision. Whether these factions can coexist under the MAGA umbrella remains uncertain, but the divisions will likely influence Republican politics and Trump’s administration in the coming years.
