The much-awaited interview between former US President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk finally took place on Monday evening, albeit after a significant delay caused by technical difficulties on X, Musk’s social media platform. The conversation, which began 40 minutes late, saw over a million listeners tuning in.
This interview marked Trump’s return to X for the first time in a year, where he posted a video reiterating his claims that the criminal prosecutions against him are politically motivated. Trump had been banned from the platform following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack but was reinstated after Musk took ownership.
Elon Musk, known for his outspoken views on various political and social issues, previously supported Democratic President Joe Biden. However, he has now shifted his support to Trump, even starting a super PAC to back Trump’s campaign. Despite past criticism of electric vehicles, Trump has changed his stance following Musk’s endorsement, with the interview providing Trump with an opportunity to reach a broader audience beyond his traditional base.
While some users noted audio issues during the interview, others highlighted the political significance of the conversation. The event also saw advertisements supporting Trump, raising questions about whether there was a pro-Trump ad buy. Musk’s involvement in various political controversies, including false claims about voter fraud, has only added to the polarized reactions surrounding the interview.
The delayed start caused by a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack also added to the ongoing controversies and debates. While Musk attributed the delay to the attack, this claim has not been confirmed. Nevertheless, the technical difficulties did little to deter the listeners, with over a million people tuning in to listen to the conversation between two of America’s most polarizing figures.
As Musk’s X continues to grow in popularity, it remains to be seen whether it can compete with other established platforms like Twitter and Facebook. The technical issues experienced during the Trump-Musk interview remind us that social media platforms are still vulnerable to cyberattacks and external disruptions.
Overall, the interview between Trump and Musk has generated a mixed response from their respective supporters and detractors. Still, it has undoubtedly opened up new avenues for political discourse and has highlighted the role of technology in shaping the political landscape of the United States.
