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ToggleTrump on X: Tech Glitches
Elon Musk’s highly anticipated conversation with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on X, formerly known as Twitter, faced significant technical difficulties. The event, intended to cover various pressing topics such as immigration, inflation, and education, was delayed by over 40 minutes due to glitches that made it challenging for many users to access the live stream.
Technical Issues Plague Musk and Trump Conversation on X
Originally billed as an interview, the conversation between Musk and the candidate Trump unfolded more like a friendly exchange. Musk posed non-confrontational questions, while his guest made several unsubstantiated claims that went unchallenged. Despite the delays and ongoing issues, Musk reiterated his endorsement of Trump, who is in a tight race against Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming November election.
Musk attributed the technical problems to a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack, a type of cyber attack designed to overwhelm a website with massive traffic. However, cybersecurity experts have raised doubts about this explanation. Anthony Lim, Director of the Centre for Strategic Cyberspace and International Studies in Singapore, suggested that the real issue might have been the sheer number of users trying to join the livestream simultaneously. Andrew Hay from IT firm Damovo acknowledged that a cyber attack could have played a role, but the exact cause remains unclear.
Campaign Reset Amid Tight Race for the White House
The conversation on X came at a critical moment for the Republican candidate, Trump who is working to reset his re-election campaign. With President Joe Biden stepping aside, Vice President Kamala Harris has become the new Democratic candidate, making the race for the White House more competitive. Musk, who has increasingly positioned himself as a significant political figure, has recently become involved in a new political committee supporting Trump’s campaign.
During the discussion, Musk strongly supported him, stating, “America is at a fork in the road, and you are the path to prosperity, and Kamala is the opposite.” They touched on a variety of issues, including a recent assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally. Trump also discussed his desire for the U.S. to implement an “Iron Dome” missile defence system similar to Israel’s, reflecting his focus on national defence, a central theme in his campaign.
Policy Proposals: Education and Immigration
Trump also proposed closing the federal Department of Education and transferring that responsibility to the states, indicating that this would be one of his first actions if he wins the November election. This proposal aligns with his broader approach to reducing the federal government’s role in various areas, a stance that resonates with many of his supporters. By advocating for more state control, he aims to empower local governments to make decisions that best fit their communities’ needs.
The Evolution of Their Relationship
The relationship between Musk and the former president Trump has evolved over the years, marked by periods of tension and mutual criticism. Despite these past differences, the tone of Monday’s conversation was notably cordial, with both men exchanging praise. The former president, who has previously been sceptical of electric vehicles (EVs) and has vowed to roll back federal subsidies, spoke favourably of Tesla, the electric car company owned by Musk. He acknowledged that he had “no choice” but to support EVs due to Musk’s endorsement and praised Tesla’s products as “great.”
Observers Note a Change in the Voice
During the conversation, some observers noticed a change in the candidate’s voice, with a few detecting what sounded like a lisp. However, a spokesperson for the campaign dismissed these observations, stating that his voice was no different from usual. Although the change in voice did not seem to affect the content of his message, it did spark speculation and discussion among viewers and commentators, adding an unexpected element to the event.
A Rocky Start on X
Monday’s discussion also marked a significant return to X for Trump, who had been banned from the platform shortly after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Despite the technical difficulties, the conversation was intended to be a key moment in his re-election campaign. The event’s glitchy start was reminiscent of a similar incident involving Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, whose 2023 entry into the White House race, also held on X, was marred by livestream malfunctions. These parallels underscore the challenges that can arise when using social media platforms for major political announcements.
Since Musk reactivated his X account in 2022, he has been largely absent from the platform. His account featured a flurry of campaign advertisements on Monday, but it is still unclear whether he will begin posting more frequently on X, given his current preference for posting on Truth Social, his social media platform. Truth Social has become his primary means of communicating with his supporters, and it remains to be seen whether X will play a more significant role in his campaign moving forward.
Musk’s Growing Influence in Politics and the 2024 Election
Despite the technical glitches, the conversation between Musk and Trump highlighted Musk’s growing influence in politics and his willingness to play a prominent role in the upcoming presidential election. As the CEO of several major companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, Musk has leveraged his platform to influence public discourse and political outcomes. His endorsement signals his continued involvement in shaping the future of American politics.
As the candidate continues his campaign, it will be interesting to observe how his relationship with Musk evolves. Will he leverage X as a platform to reach voters, or will he continue to focus on Truth Social? The dynamics between these two influential figures will likely continue to shape the political landscape as the 2024 election approaches.
Conclusion: A Complex Relationship with Implications for the Future
Despite its technical difficulties, the Musk and Trump conversation on X underscored the importance of social media platforms in modern political campaigns. The event also demonstrated Musk’s influence in the political arena and his commitment to supporting his bid for the presidency. As the election draws nearer, both Musk and the former president will likely remain key players in the political landscape, with their actions and statements continuing to influence public opinion and the race’s outcome.
For those closely following the 2024 election, the Musk and Trump conversation on X serves as a reminder of the complex relationships that define modern politics and the pivotal role that technology and social media play in shaping these dynamics.
The event may have had a rocky start, but it signals a broader trend of tech leaders like Musk becoming increasingly involved in political discourse, potentially influencing the country’s direction. As this story continues to develop, it will be crucial to monitor how these interactions shape the narratives leading up to the election and what they reveal about the evolving role of social media in politics.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving and significant chapter in American political history.
