“Elon Musk Is a Loser”: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Blasts Billionaire’s Political Ambitions
- Why Did the Treasury Secretary Just Call Elon Musk a “Loser”?
- The Billionaire vs. The Beltway: Musk’s Growing Government Grudge
- From Boardrooms to Battlefields: Musk’s Unconventional Political Strategy
- Trump’s Revenge? Deportation Threats and Subsidy Wars
- Can a Meme Party Actually Disrupt U.S. Politics?
- Five Key Takeaways From the Musk-Bessent Showdown
- FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
In a fiery televised interview, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed Elon Musk’s newly announced “America Party” as a vanity project, calling the tech mogul a “loser” who should focus on running Tesla and SpaceX instead of politics. The clash highlights Musk’s escalating feud with the TRUMP administration over fiscal policy and green energy subsidies. Meanwhile, Musk’s third-party movement aims to disrupt the two-party system—but will it backfire?
Why Did the Treasury Secretary Just Call Elon Musk a “Loser”?
Scott Bessent didn’t mince words during his CNN appearance. When asked about Musk’s FEC filing for the “America Party,” the Treasury Secretary scoffed: “Most of America thinks he’s a loser.” Bessent argued that Musk lacks the political capital for such a venture, citing dismal approval ratings and boardroom unrest. “His companies’ directors want him back in the C-suite, not on cable news,” he added, referencing Tesla’s recent stock slump amid Musk’s political distractions. The dig continues their long-running rivalry—from subsidy battles to an alleged physical altercation witnessed by Steve Bannon.
The Billionaire vs. The Beltway: Musk’s Growing Government Grudge
Musk’s political pivot follows his very public breakup with Trump over the $3.9 trillion deficit projected from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The SpaceX CEO raged on X (formerly Twitter) that the legislation “mocks” his defunct Government Efficiency Project (DOGE), which had sought to streamline federal spending. Analysts note the bill also slashes Biden-era green energy incentives—a direct hit to Tesla’s bottom line. “This isn’t about subsidies,” Musk insists, though Republican strategists whisper otherwise. His DOGE team became Washington’s favorite “whipping boys” before their May dissolution.
From Boardrooms to Battlefields: Musk’s Unconventional Political Strategy
Modeled after Epaminondas’ ancient Greek military tactics, Musk’s America Party plans to deploy “extremely concentrated force” in select House and Senate races. While no candidates are named yet, Musk confirmed his team is mobilizing to challenge what he calls America’s “uni-party system.” An X poll showed 68% of his followers support the idea—but Bessent isn’t convinced: “Epaminondas had an army. Elon has meme stocks and a spaceship.” The approach mirrors Musk’s crypto playbook: identify pressure points (like tight midterm races), dominate headlines, and let volatility do the rest.
Trump’s Revenge? Deportation Threats and Subsidy Wars
The ex-President hasn’t forgotten Musk lobbying against his Treasury pick. After Bessent got the nod over Musk’s preferred candidate (Cantor Fitzgerald’s Howard Lutnick), Trump floated cutting federal contracts to SpaceX and even mused about revoking Musk’s citizenship—a legally dubious threat given Musk’s naturalized status. The April “ninja vs. viking” physical altercation (per Bannon) added fuel to the fire. Now with Musk opposing Trump’s signature bill, the GOP sees payback: “Those green subsidy cuts? That’s Scott’s handwriting,” claims a WHITE House insider.
Can a Meme Party Actually Disrupt U.S. Politics?
History isn’t kind to billionaire third-party bids (see: Perot ’92, Bloomberg ’20). But Musk’s 128 million X followers give him something predecessors lacked: an instant mobilization tool. The BTCC market analysis team notes parallels to crypto’s rise—both thrive on anti-establishment energy and viral momentum. Risks abound: splitting conservative votes could hand Democrats victories, while Musk’s companies face regulatory retaliation. As Bessent warned: “Boardrooms hate uncertainty. And Elon? He’s become human volatility.”
Five Key Takeaways From the Musk-Bessent Showdown
- The DOGE Legacy: Musk’s defunct government efficiency project remains his policy blueprint
- Subsidy Wars: Tesla stands to lose $2.1B annually if green incentives vanish (per TradingView data)
- Physical Drama: Bannon’s account of a Bessent-Musk scuffle remains unconfirmed but widely believed
- Citizenship Card: Trump’s deportation threat—while hollow—signals fractured MAGA-tech relations
- Market Reactions: Tesla shares dipped 3% post-Bessent comments (CoinGlass shows short interest rising)
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
What sparked the Musk-Bessent feud?
The rivalry began when Trump chose Bessent over Musk’s preferred Treasury candidate in 2024. It escalated through policy fights and personal insults.
Is Musk really running for office?
Not yet. The America Party will first back other candidates, though Musk hasn’t ruled out a future bid.
How does this affect Tesla investors?
Political volatility could delay key subsidies. BTCC analysts recommend watching Q3 earnings for R&D budget impacts.
What’s the “Greek battle strategy” Musk referenced?
Epaminondas won at Leuctra by concentrating forces on one flank—Musk aims to do similarly in swing districts.
Could Musk actually be deported?
Extremely unlikely. Naturalized citizens can only lose citizenship through fraud or treason convictions.
