Trump vs. Musk: Who Really Won the 2024 Election?

In a clash of titans that could rival any blockbuster, President Donald Trump and billionaire innovator Elon Musk are now at odds over who truly powered Trump's 2024 election victory. Once thick as thieves, with Musk even stepping into a White House advisory role to helm the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the duo’s camaraderie has soured into a public spat over credit and policy.

Trump, in a recent chat with reporters, asserted with his signature confidence that he would’ve clinched the presidency even without Musk’s high-octane campaign support. He tipped his hat to his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, suggesting Pennsylvania—a key battleground—was his to win regardless of Musk’s efforts. Meanwhile, Musk, never one to shy from the spotlight, fired back on X, claiming his nearly $300 million investment through America PAC, alongside relentless ground game in swing states, was the linchpin of Trump’s triumph. Without him, Musk argued, the Democrats would’ve dominated Congress.

Let’s not forget Musk’s all-in approach last year—endorsing Trump post an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, joining him on the campaign trail, and setting up a strategic hub in Pittsburgh. His financial muscle fueled ads and voter turnout drives, particularly in battleground states where Trump ultimately swept against Kamala Harris.

Political insiders weigh in with a split verdict. Some, like Erie County’s GOP chairman Tom Eddy, acknowledge Musk’s significant boost—both in funds and fame. Others, including veteran strategist John Brabender, underline that while many contributed, it was Trump’s name on the ballot that voters rallied behind. Dave Carney, another seasoned GOP consultant, suggests both men have a point: Musk’s unprecedented field efforts eased the path, but Trump’s personal draw was the ultimate force.

As this feud unfolds alongside disagreements over Trump’s ambitious tax cuts and spending plans, one thing is clear: the 2024 election saga is far from over. It’s a high-stakes drama of ego, influence, and raw political power.