Will Keys,
The apple, as the old adage goes, does not fall far from the tree. In the case of Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a technological visionary, a brief glance at his father Errol Musk reveals much about the man himself. Brilliant, determined, and single-minded, Musk has also proven to be, at times, petulant, spiteful, and even malicious—traits that become especially pronounced when his formidable ego is challenged.
Elon Musk’s political engagement in recent years has raised eyebrows and stirred considerable controversy. On 13 July 2024, Musk publicly threw his substantial wealth and influence behind the candidacy of Donald J. Trump, then the presumptive Republican nominee for President of the United States. This came in the immediate aftermath of an assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania—a harrowing event that left the former president wounded yet defiantly undeterred. Musk, like millions of others, was moved by Trump’s display of resilience and fortitude.
The result of Musk’s political shift was a wholesale loss of sympathy among many supporters of the Democratic Party, not only towards him but also towards his flagship enterprise, Tesla. What followed was a period of political volatility and deep polarisation, with Musk squarely in the centre.
After Trump’s eventual election victory, Musk was rewarded with a brief but notable appointment as head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”). Established with the ambitious aim of reducing bureaucratic inertia within the federal workforce, DOGE became a lightning rod for both criticism and acclaim. Among Musk’s more controversial initiatives was the so-called “DOGE note” to federal employees—a directive that required staff to summarise their weekly accomplishments in five bullet points, omitting any classified information. The measure, ostensibly designed to bolster transparency and accountability, drew the ire of Democratic lawmakers who saw it as an attempt to undermine established norms and politicise the federal bureaucracy.
Musk’s tenure in this role was always destined to be short-lived. His employment contract included a sunset clause after 130 days, yet he resigned after roughly 100 days, a ‘gold key’ of appreciation in hand from the President himself. With his departure from Washington, Musk returned to private life, but not to quiet reflection. Instead, he has engaged in an increasingly reckless and, at times, destructive campaign of public commentary—comments that have served little purpose beyond inflaming an already volatile political environment.
It must be said, however, that Musk’s conduct should not overshadow the fact that he, like any other individual, is susceptible to human flaws. Musk’s remarkable achievements in technology and commerce—transforming electric vehicles, launching reusable rockets, and even establishing new frontiers in satellite communications—cannot be denied. But they sit alongside the complex, and at times contradictory, character traits of a man who appears to oscillate between brilliance and petulance.
For those of us seeking a more measured, traditional approach to public discourse, this volatility is unsettling. It highlights how the lines between business, personal ambition, and political influence have become blurred. In a world where social media amplifies every utterance and every action is scrutinised in real-time, it becomes ever more important for public figures—no matter how wealthy or powerful—to exercise restraint, humility, and respect for the broader democratic process.
Donald Trump is said to be meeting with Musk in the coming days. One hopes that in that conversation, a measure of calm and common sense will prevail, and that Musk’s undeniable brilliance can be harnessed for the greater good, rather than for petty squabbles and personal vendettas.
Kind regards,
Will Keys
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Such a pity and so unnecessary that they have both been so impulsive and reckless, for the world to see their flaws exposed.
One shouldn’t push the send button in the heat of the moment, but rather think it over for a short period.
They can smooth over their differences but what’s been said , cannot be unsaid!
Hi John, As usual you are sensible, balanced and circumspect in response. At the end of the day I have the greatest respect for both men. I have no doubt I could not do better, probably a damn side worse.
In this instance I will quote the old Ndebele proverb we were taught as young children by those wise elders.
“You must never put two bulls into the same kraal.”
Hi Ntabenende, Ndebele wise words. Are you an African Ndebele or a Murooggoo Ndebele (spelt wrong LOL). Both ways, I would be an admirer.
I am an African Ndebele but was deemed white by Zanu and they stole everything from me in 2002. Back in 1982 Zanu attacked both black and white Ndebele people with the Fifth Brigade under Shiri and stole the lives of approximately 25 000 Ndebele regardless of skin colour. Many Ndebele people are colour blind.
Hi Ntabenende, you impress me.
There was no assassination attempt on Trump. Check the film footage. No bloody ear. It was fake and Trump was in on it.
Musk and his scam electric vehicles. The lithium is mined by slave labour including children. Then the copper and rare earth minerals in large quantities. There is not enough for everyone to own one. The intention was shared ownership in the New World Order.
We do not know who is telling Trump what to do. It is all very unsettling. US unemployment is rising.
Trump said a couple of months ago there may be a crash coming ans they might not be able to stop it. Rubbish.
Germany was in worse shape in the 1930s, created 6 million jobs in three years and boomed the economy.
Hi Brian, I have made profits trading Tesla shares and we hope to buy two model 2’s in the near future. Australia is well represented with Tesla cars. As for the ridiculous claim re the Buter attempted assassination, you are delusional.
US unemplpoyment is up; the chances of a US economic downturn is still a possibility. Granted, it has not yet happened. Comparison 1930’s Nazi Germany to any period in US history is beyond dumb.
Will, your overly simplistic characterization of Musk as a petulant, child has missed an important point.
Elon suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorder, of a type formerly named Asbergers Syndrome.
People who have this syndrome are often gifted in some way and if we look back in history we may very well find that some of our greatest geniuses had the disorder.
So please don’t look for Elon to behave in ways you expect him to. He is wired differently and is happy that way.
What I would like to know is what excuse Donald Trump has for being the most vile, petulant, vindictive, cruel, spiteful, greedy, entitled, ignorant merciless, bully this world has seen.
I have not seen any concrete evidence of the ASD regarding Musk but regarding your comments I think you might be confusing him with Ramaphosa, but you left out psychopath.
Hi Michael, I don’t think Elon Musk or Cyril Ramaphosa are psychopaths. Like all of us they are flawed characters with a great deal more responsibility and culpability.
I did not describe ANY behaviors to Musk. I was describing Trump traits.
I have no comment on Ramaphosa as I am American and confine my criticism to people who live here.
Michael,
You have not seen any concrete evidence of ASD in Musk. That statement is moot. He has it and has said so. No more evidence is needed.
Another TDS speciman
Anthony, GGS.
There are three sides to every story: Yours, Mine & the Truth
Joan, this is an op-ed, don’t you have an opinion?