In a sharp rebuke to the mainstream media’s portrayal of the Trump–Musk rivalry, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich appeared on Fox News to dismantle the idea that a true power struggle exists between Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
According to Gingrich, the supposed feud is being blown out of proportion by a press eager to stir controversy — while missing the real power dynamics at play. “This isn’t a competition over control of the country,” Gingrich emphasized. “One of them is president. The other is not.”
His remarks came during a heated news cycle in which Trump and Musk publicly clashed, exchanging personal jabs and political criticisms. The friction, sparked by disagreements over Trump’s new federal spending bill, has captivated both political and tech media outlets.
Gingrich: Trump Has Power, Musk Has Publicity — There’s a Difference
“It’s a public relations struggle — not a power struggle,” Gingrich said during an appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime.
“And that’s what the media doesn’t quite get.”
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While acknowledging Elon Musk’s brilliance and his contributions to innovation, Gingrich emphasized that political influence and executive authority are two very different arenas. “He’s not running the country. He’s not going to run the country. And he knows that,” Gingrich added.
This strategic distinction is being lost in the coverage of their feud, Gingrich argued, as headlines continue to exaggerate Musk’s opposition to Trump’s economic and environmental agenda.
Budget Battle: Trump’s Economic Plan Sparks New Divide
At the heart of the conflict is Trump’s signature legislation — dubbed by critics and supporters alike as the “big beautiful bill.” Musk publicly criticized the bill, claiming it fails to reduce the national debt and eliminates electric vehicle mandates, a key concern for his Tesla brand.
Gingrich, however, strongly defended the bill’s long-term impact on federal spending and economic growth:
“This bill does more to flatten the curve on reckless spending than anything we’ve seen in years,” Gingrich asserted.
“It’s the first step, not the last. But it’s a step in the right direction — unlike the nonsense coming from left-leaning think tanks.”
Gingrich Defends Trump’s Cuts: Real Reform, Not Rhetoric
Drawing from his own experience, Gingrich reminded viewers that he led the charge to balance the federal budget for four straight years during the 1990s. He believes Trump’s plan follows that same discipline.
“The bill includes substantial cuts to domestic programs and major reforms to Medicaid,” he said.
“Musk should probably read the legislation before reacting emotionally.”
Gingrich also accused the Congressional Budget Office of ideological bias, stating it frequently underestimates the economic impact of pro-growth policies driven by Republican leadership.
Inside the Feud: From Cabinet Role to Public Fallout
Adding fuel to the fire is the history between Trump and Musk. After Trump’s victory in 2024, Musk was appointed as head of the Department of Government Efficiency — a short-lived cabinet-level role created to slash federal waste.
His tenure, however, quickly drew Democratic backlash, especially after Musk’s office moved to dismantle agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development. By late May, Musk announced that his role had ended, calling the assignment temporary.
Their relationship has rapidly deteriorated since, culminating in this week’s highly publicized exchange of social media barbs and conflicting statements about federal budget priorities.
Final Word: Feud or Fiction?
For Gingrich, the entire media frenzy around this political rift is just noise. The real story, he suggests, is how Trump remains focused on leadership, while Musk’s frustrations stem from policy, not power.
“Trump’s got a country to run,” Gingrich concluded.
“Worrying about Elon Musk’s mood swings is probably number 27 on his to-do list.”
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Why This Matters
As the 2025 political landscape continues to evolve, this feud offers more than just headline drama — it reveals how media narratives shape public perception of who holds power, who challenges it, and how deep the divide runs between tech billionaires and government leadership.
Expect more clashes between political heavyweights and private sector giants, especially as outsiders like Musk continue pushing back on policy directions they don’t control. But according to Gingrich, don’t confuse headlines for reality.
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