He Would Be a Terrible Enemy’: Trump’s Alliance with Elon Musk Is Strong, Says Stephen Collinson

Donald Trump has solidified a powerful alliance with Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, creating a partnership that analysts believe is unlikely to dissolve anytime soon. Despite speculation about potential fallout between the two, CNN analyst Stephen Collinson explained why their collaboration is mutually beneficial and deeply entrenched.

The president-elect’s relationship with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has drawn attention, particularly after Musk invested hundreds of millions of dollars into Trump’s election campaign. Musk, often described as a “shadow president,” has been advising Trump closely since his victory. The two have maintained a visible camaraderie, recently underscored by their joint appearance at Mar-a-Lago and their observation of SpaceX’s Starship rocket launch in Texas.

Collinson pointed out Trump’s apparent enjoyment of the partnership, particularly when associating himself with Musk’s groundbreaking achievements. “He’s putting himself in iconic situations, you know, he’s standing there yesterday with his chin in the air, watching this rocket go up almost like there was some credit to accrue to him for the Elon Musk achievement, and I guess he was basking in reflected glory because Musk is now part of his inner circle,” Collinson said.

The alliance goes beyond optics, as both figures stand to gain significant advantages. Musk’s role as a “force multiplier” amplifies Trump’s reach and influence, while Musk’s proximity to power bolsters his status as a major non-state actor with a direct line to government decisions. “There’s a lot for them at stake,” Collinson noted.

“If they stay together, Musk gets more power. He’s in the middle of the government. Trump is hanging around with the richest man in the world. He is a force multiplier in terms of power.” While some speculate the partnership could falter, Collinson argued that such a split would be costly for both parties. “There’s been a lot of talk about, okay, this is all going to blow up, right – they can’t stick together,” he said.

But he added, “Musk is not just a great ally to have, he would be a terrible enemy if they did break up.” As Trump and Musk continue to strengthen their alliance, their partnership signals a convergence of political power and technological influence that could shape the coming years, making their collaboration a force to be reckoned with.