The falling out between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has become quite the spectacle, drawing attention even in China. Their once-close relationship has shifted dramatically, and many social media users there seem to favor Musk.
Recently, Musk stirred the pot by saying he might start a new political party—the America Party. This came right after the Senate passed Trump’s controversial tax and spending bill, which Musk called “insane.” This bill is projected to increase the national debt by about $3.3 trillion.
On Weibo, a popular social media platform in China, the hashtag #MuskWantsToBuildAnAmericaParty took off, racking up over 37 million views within hours. Users expressed their enthusiasm for Musk, with one saying, “If Elon Musk were to found a political party, his tech-driven mindset could inject fresh energy into politics.”
Musk is especially well-regarded in China for his business success. Tesla is the leading foreign electric vehicle brand there, and his Shanghai factory is the largest in terms of output. His mother, Maye Musk, has also gained fame in China, contributing to his popularity.
In contrast, Trump’s image in China is less favorable. Many see him as erratic, especially considering the trade tensions he has stirred up. Some users on social media have commented on the childishness of their ongoing disputes. One user aptly noted, “Every day, Musk is basically live-streaming ‘How Billionaires Argue.’”
Interestingly, the discussion about these two has been allowed to flow freely on China’s otherwise tightly controlled social media. This raises questions about what the government hopes to achieve by permitting such conversations, suggesting that they might think US political drama could be beneficial for China.
In a world where public figures wield significant influence, the reactions of social media might reveal broader trends. For example, a recent Pew Research survey showed that only 35% of Americans believe that tech leaders like Musk should engage in politics, reflecting a growing concern over the intertwining of business and governance.
Understanding these dynamics can be vital in today’s political landscape, where billionaires increasingly play active roles in shaping ideologies and policies.
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