The dramatic fallout between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, once a powerhouse duo, has left their foreign allies—populist leaders from Argentina to Italy—strangely quiet, exposing cracks in the global right’s unity. As the two clash over tariffs and influence, their silence signals uncertainty, leaving supporters and critics alike wondering how this rift reshapes transatlantic ties and local politics.
The split erupted last week when Musk, after quitting Trump’s advisory role, trashed a $1.6 trillion spending bill, prompting Trump to threaten his $22 billion in contracts. Their feud, viewed 141 million times online, stunned leaders like Argentina’s Javier Milei and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, who’ve leaned on both for legitimacy. “I’m focused on my country, not their drama,” Milei said, dodging questions. Meloni, who’s balanced EU support with Trump ties, stayed mum, as did Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, a vocal Trump backer. A 2025 EU poll shows 55% of Europeans see the rift as weakening populist movements.
The silence reflects a delicate dance. Milei, inspired by Musk’s libertarian cuts, and Meloni, eyeing SpaceX deals, risk alienating either man. Trump’s tariff threats—10% on EU goods—complicate their calculus, while Musk’s pivot to far-right figures like Germany’s Alice Weidel unnerves moderates. The global right, unified by anti-immigration and “anti-woke” rhetoric, faces a loyalty test. “They’re caught in a tug-of-war,” said analyst Sofia Conti from Rome.
Reactions vary. Buenos Aires student Ana Torres said, “Milei’s stuck—he needs Musk’s vibe but can’t lose Trump.” Budapest’s Peter Nagy, an Orbán supporter, shrugged: “It’s their fight, not ours.” Small businesses, like an Italian tech startup eyeing SpaceX contracts, fear fallout from tariff hikes. Conti noted, “These leaders thrived on Trump-Musk synergy—now they’re hedging.” A June poll shows 60% of populist voters want their leaders to stay neutral.
The rift could weaken transatlantic illiberal networks, boosting EU unity but risking trade retaliation. Small economies like Hungary’s, reliant on U.S. tech, face 5–10% cost hikes. It may also embolden Russia, as populist disarray distracts from Ukraine’s defense. Yet a fractured right could spur moderate coalitions, strengthening NATO’s resolve.
As Trump and Musk pause their spat, allies await clarity. Milei’s U.S. visit in July and EU trade talks could force their hands. “They’ll pick sides eventually,” Conti said. For now, the silence speaks volumes, as global populists navigate a world where their biggest champions are at odds.
