Source: BBC News
Introduction
Elon Musk recently hosted an online discussion with Donald Trump on the social media platform X, but the event was plagued by technical issues. Despite the rocky start, the conversation unfolded with Musk posing friendly questions, allowing Trump to make a series of unsubstantiated claims without challenge. The event has raised eyebrows, especially with Musk’s open endorsement of Trump as the latter tries to reset his re-election campaign amid a tightening race with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Quick Summary
- Technical Issues: The discussion faced a 40-minute delay due to access issues, with Musk blaming a potential cyber-attack.
- Unchallenged Claims: Trump made several unverified claims during the conversation, which were not contested by Musk.
- Musk’s Endorsement: Musk reiterated his support for Trump, describing him as the “path to prosperity” in contrast to Harris.
- Political Influence: The discussion highlighted Musk’s growing influence in U.S. politics.
Detailed Breakdown
Technical Glitches and Blame on Cyber-Attack
The highly anticipated discussion between Elon Musk and Donald Trump was delayed by over 40 minutes as users struggled to access the livestream on X. Musk attributed the delay to a “massive DDoS attack,” a type of cyber-attack designed to overwhelm a website with traffic. However, cybersecurity experts, including Anthony Lim from the Centre for Strategic Cyberspace and International Studies, suggested it was unlikely a DDoS attack would only affect one feature on the platform. The issues echoed similar technical problems faced by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during his campaign launch on X in 2023.
Trump’s Unverified Claims
Throughout the conversation, Trump made a series of unsubstantiated statements, ranging from a supposed assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally to his desire to implement an “Iron Dome” missile defense system in the U.S. Notably, Musk did not challenge these claims, leading to criticism from observers who felt the discussion lacked journalistic rigor.
Musk’s Growing Political Influence and Endorsement of Trump
Elon Musk, who has increasingly inserted himself into political discussions, reiterated his endorsement of Trump during the event. Musk praised Trump as the candidate who could lead America to prosperity, contrasting him with Kamala Harris, whom he criticized. This endorsement marks a significant moment in Musk’s political journey, particularly given his past disagreements with Trump over issues like electric vehicles.
Trump’s Return to X and Future Prospects
The event also marked Trump’s return to X, where he had been banned following the January 6 Capitol riot. Despite his recent reactivation, Trump has largely remained on his platform, Truth Social, only briefly returning to X with a campaign post. It remains unclear if Trump will increase his presence on X moving forward.
Elon Musk’s conversation with Donald Trump on X was marred by technical difficulties and unchallenged statements, raising questions about the platform’s ability to handle high-profile events and Musk’s role in the political landscape. The event underscores the challenges of blending social media with political discourse, especially when it comes to providing a platform for unverified claims.