The growing partnership between former President Donald Trump and X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk has sent shockwaves through political and media circles, prompting heated reactions on Friday’s CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta. The segment, featuring liberal commentators Julie Roginsky and Tara Setmayer, turned into an emotional critique of the two men, whom the panel accused of wielding undue influence over public discourse and government policy.
The discussion kicked off with Jim Acosta sharing footage of Trump and Musk appearing friendly during a Thanksgiving gathering at Mar-a-Lago. The video showed the two laughing and dancing, which Acosta described as “chummy.” He then asked panelist Tara Setmayer for her thoughts on what he referred to as the “Trump-Musk connection.”
Setmayer, visibly agitated, launched into a scathing critique of Musk, labeling his relationship with Trump as both “disturbing” and “unprecedented.”
“It’s all really creepy,” Setmayer began. “Musk sees that by cozying up to Donald Trump, he’s going to have influence in ways he’s never had before. He’s literally taking on the role of favorite son, First Lady, and shadow President.”
Setmayer’s remarks escalated as she expressed concerns about Musk’s access to sensitive government information through federal contracts, calling for a reevaluation of his security clearance.
“This is really scary stuff for people,” she said. “Elon Musk has no business having a security clearance or these government contracts. And now, he has this level of influence with the President of the United States. It’s unsettling.”
Setmayer’s criticism wasn’t limited to Musk’s proximity to Trump. She also questioned Musk’s motives, speculating that his involvement in politics stemmed from a need for relevance rather than any genuine interest in governance.
“Why wasn’t Elon Musk with his own family for Thanksgiving?” Setmayer asked. “It’s because he is so emotionally stunted that this makes him feel important. The fact that world politics are being influenced by someone undergoing this kind of psychosis should scare everyone.”
Her remarks were met with agreement from fellow panelist Julie Roginsky, who argued that Musk’s platform, X, has become a megaphone for right-wing voices, amplifying Trump’s messaging and providing a counterweight to legacy media.
NEW: CNN panel melts down over the close affiliation between Trump and Musk:
“He’s literally taking on the role of favorite son, First Lady, and shadow President… this is scary stuff for people.” pic.twitter.com/16awrA74kA
— Trending Politics (@tpbreaking) November 29, 2024
The CNN segment underscored the left’s growing unease over the alliance between Musk and Trump. Critics on the panel painted their relationship as emblematic of a larger threat to the status quo, where traditional media and political elites are being challenged by unorthodox power structures.
For Trump supporters, however, the partnership represents a much-needed shake-up in the establishment, particularly as the country grapples with issues such as censorship, illegal immigration, and the erosion of First Amendment rights.
“Elon Musk and Donald Trump together form a powerful duo,” said conservative commentator Jack Posobiec in response to the segment. “They are leveraging their platforms to bring transparency to government and give Americans a voice. That’s what terrifies the left.”
Jim Acosta’s segment reflects the broader media narrative surrounding Trump and Musk, casting them as disruptive figures who pose a challenge to conventional authority. Critics have long accused Musk of enabling right-wing narratives on X by reinstating banned accounts and taking a stand against perceived government overreach.
Meanwhile, Trump’s ability to maintain influence despite leaving office continues to frustrate his detractors. His alliance with Musk is viewed by many on the left as a strategic move to bypass traditional media outlets and connect directly with voters.
The Trump-Musk partnership is rooted in their shared disdain for what they view as an overreaching government and a corrupt establishment. Both have championed free speech, transparency, and a return to policies that prioritize the interests of ordinary Americans.
While critics like Setmayer dismiss their alliance as “scary” and “psychotic,” supporters argue that their partnership is a natural evolution of Trump’s populist movement. Musk’s control of X gives Trump an invaluable platform to amplify his message heading into 2025, and Musk’s technological expertise could play a significant role in Trump’s vision to “drain the swamp.”
As the Trump-Musk partnership continues to evolve, it has become a lightning rod for political and media scrutiny. Whether viewed as a threat or a beacon of change, the alliance between the former president and the tech mogul is undeniably reshaping the political landscape.
For ordinary Americans, the question remains: will this powerful duo deliver on their promise to restore prosperity and transparency, or will they face insurmountable opposition from entrenched interests? Either way, the Trump-Musk partnership is set to remain a focal point of national debate in the months ahead.
