In a fiery clash of words, billionaire business magnate Elon Musk and Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) traded heated words regarding U.S. support for Ukraine. Musk, who chairs the Department of Government Efficiency, called Kelly a “traitor” on X (formerly Twitter) following the visit of the senator to Ukraine and his expression of support for continued American support in fending off Russian aggression. The exchange illustrates the increasing political gulf in the U.S. along foreign policy and military aid lines.
Social Media War of Words
Sen. Mark Kelly, who is a retired Navy combat pilot and astronaut, turned to X on Sunday evening to report on his most recent trip to Ukraine. He shared images of his meetings with Ukrainian leaders, soldiers, and medical professionals, reiterating his vow to make certain that any peace agreement with Russia “protects Ukraine’s security and isn’t a giveaway to Putin.”
Musk, with a stinging reply, typed only two words: “You are a traitor.”
Kelly didn’t hesitate to shoot back. “Traitor? Elon, if you can’t grasp that standing up for freedom is one of the most fundamental principles of what makes America great and protects us, perhaps you should let those of us who do,” he snapped back.
From Rockets to Rhetoric: Musk’s Political Evolution
Elon Musk’s political clout has increased considerably in recent years, especially in President Donald Trump’s administration. Previously hailed for his success in space travel and electric cars, Musk has assumed a polarizing role in transforming federal policy, focusing on radical spending reductions and government efficiency initiatives. Critics, such as Kelly, contend that these reductions disproportionately favor billionaires while undermining public services, such as veterans’ healthcare and federal worker protections.
He’s gutted and torched the federal government to open up space for a behemoth tax break for billionaires like himself,” Kelly said in an interview with reporters. “I took an oath to this nation. I flew combat. I served in the Navy for 25 years. It seems to me the oath that Elon Musk has sworn to is the oath to billionaires—to ease their lives, not the American people, not veterans.
The Ukraine Debate: A Shift in Policy During Trump
Musk’s remarks are made at a moment when Trump’s administration has made a sharp turn away from backing Ukraine. In contrast to former President Joe Biden, who maintained an “ironclad” commitment to Ukraine, Trump has suspended military aid, halted intelligence-sharing, and openly questioned the leadership of Kyiv. The Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week ended in a shouting match, further muddling U.S.-Ukraine relations.
Kelly, and other Democrats, have forcefully condemned Trump’s position. “If we turn our back on our ally Ukraine, we will be seen by other nations, including our other allies, as unreliable,” he cautioned. “In the future, we should not anticipate their assistance when we need it.”
Musk’s Background with Ukraine: A Troubled Record
This is not the first Musk controversy surrounding Ukraine. In 2023, it was reported he prevented a Ukrainian assault on Russia’s navy by withholding Starlink satellite coverage in the area. In 2022, he held a Twitter poll that Ukraine should give Crimea to Russia in order to end hostilities—the notion was widely criticized by U.S. government officials and international leaders.
While his major contributions to space travel and AI have made him a hero to many, Musk’s increasing political power and unbridled online presence have raised questions about whether business leaders should have so much influence in international affairs.
A Deeper Feud Between Musk and Kelly
This public feud is not the first between Musk and Sen. Kelly. Musk insulted Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen last month, referring to him as “an idiot.” Kelly and his twin brother, Scott Kelly, who are both former astronauts, defended Mogensen and rebuked Musk’s rejection of their knowledge.
Kelly’s recent comments further cement his opposition to Musk’s political influence. “He’s not a serious guy. He should go back to building rockets,” Kelly said, repeating his criticism.
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