The Titans' Battle: How Trump and Musk Can Harm Each Other

The escalating conflict between US President Donald Trump and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has torn apart the delicate alliance between the two influential figures. Their feud could have far-reaching consequences if it deepens or even escalates, warns the New York Times.

Musk has numerous ways in which he can harm Trump and his allies. After spending over $250 million to help get Trump elected, Musk could easily finance campaigns against the Republicans. He has already called Trump's domestic policy bill a "disgusting mess" and criticized the Republican congressional leaders. Musk could also withhold the remaining $100 million promised to support Trump.

The tech entrepreneur can use social media to stoke tension. On Thursday, he posted a poll on Twitter asking if it's time to "create a new political party in America that actually represents the interests of the 80%." More than 80% of the nearly 2 million respondents so far have voted "yes."

Musk could embroil Trump in a scandal by claiming to have inside information. Without providing evidence, he stated that the Trump administration delayed the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files because Trump's name was mentioned. House Democrats quickly seized on this post.

Additionally, Musk can use his companies to create inconvenience for the administration. He wrote that he will "immediately" deactivate the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which transports astronauts and supplies to and from the International Space Station for NASA. This prompted a reaction from Steve Bannon, a Trump ally and critic of Musk, who proposed that the president "seize SpaceX tonight before midnight" through an executive order.

In turn, Trump also has numerous tools with which he can harm Musk. He can terminate the contracts with Musk's companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, which last year received nearly $3 billion across almost 100 contracts with 17 government agencies.

Trump can order an investigation into Musk's immigration status and drug use. Bannon called for an "official investigation into his immigration status because I'm firmly convinced he's an illegal alien and should be immediately deported from the country." Bannon also called for an investigation into Musk's drug use and his efforts to gain access to classified information related to military plans involving China.

The president can also revoke Musk's security clearance, which he has as part of the government contracts involving SpaceX's work with NASA. This would significantly hinder Musk's work with the government.

Trump has a vast array of powers, including signing executive orders to punish political opponents and directing agencies like the Department of Justice to initiate investigations. He could terminate some of Musk's pet projects, such as the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, as well as Musk's support for white South Africans, which is a priority for him.

The escalation of the conflict between the two influential figures could have far-reaching consequences for politics, business, and society in the US. Observers are watching closely how this battle of titans will unfold.