US President Donald Trump appears increasingly unsettled following a fallout with Elon Musk, who has now publicly backed Vice President JD Vance as a potential replacement.
Journalist and Trump biographer Michael Wolff described the growing tension during an appearance on The Daily Beast podcast. According to Wolff, Trump feels trapped by those within his own circle, especially Vance, the former Ohio senator turned vice president.
Trump Never Trusted Vance Completely
Notably, Trump never completely trusted Vance. Wolff said Trump viewed him as “an unlikely Republican” whose popularity stems more from the “tech bro community” than traditional conservatives.
Musk’s Influence in Vance’s VP Selection
Moreover, Trump reportedly named Vance as his running mate under pressure from Musk. Now, according to Wolff, “He will set up what we will see as a set of tests that Vance is going to have to endure and pass. (Vance has) got to profess his absolute loyalty to Trump, or he will just be marginalized within the administration.”
Vance Affirms Loyalty Amidst Trump-Musk Feud
In fact, Vance has already begun showing his allegiance. During the public feud between Musk and Trump, he said, “I’m the vice president to President Trump. My loyalties are always going to be with the president,” and added, “I think it’s a huge mistake for (Musk) to go after the president like that.”
Trump Craves Constant Validation
Furthermore, Wolff noted that Trump constantly seeks validation. “Trump demands flattery on a constant basis,” he said, implying Vance must walk a fine line to retain Trump’s trust.
Epstein Claims Add to the Tension
Meanwhile, Musk’s recent post on X added to the strain. He suggested Trump’s name appeared in Jeffrey Epstein’s files. Wolff called this an “existential threat” to the president. “The Epstein stuff floats around Trump as a consistent threat, as a consistent silver bullet really,” he said. “Musk could always bring back the threat.”
White House Slams Wolff Over Allegations
In response, White House Communications Director Steven Chung slammed Wolff. “He (Wolff) is an imbecile of the highest order, and his Trump Derangement Syndrome-addled brain has caused him to lead a miserable existence devoid of reality,” Chung told The Daily Beast.
He further added, “Nothing he says is the truth and he resorts to outlandish falsehoods in order to stay relevant since Father Time has passed him by 20 years ago.” Chung also called Wolff “a blithering idiot who has been widely discredited due to his blatant lies and fabrications.”
Clearly, the fallout has sparked a power struggle within Trump’s camp, with Musk’s influence and Epstein-related whispers intensifying the pressure.
