Elon Musk, once seemingly invincible, is facing a series of setbacks. His SpaceX Starship, designed to revolutionize interplanetary travel, suffered another explosive failure during its ninth test flight. Despite Musk's optimistic spin, the crash has cast doubt on his ambitious timeline, including a promise to Donald Trump to plant the American flag on Mars by 2028.
Musk's brief stint as head of the White House's Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE) has also come to an end. While both Musk and Trump publicly maintain a positive relationship, sources indicate that relations have soured. Musk's criticism of Trump's 'Big Beautiful Tax bill' has reportedly angered the former president.
Furthermore, Musk's business empire is facing challenges. His electric car company, Tesla, is grappling with problems, and recent stock sales by his brother Kimbal have raised concerns among investors. His ownership of X (formerly Twitter) has also proven to be a major headache, with user engagement reportedly flatlining.
Adding to his woes, reports suggest Musk's behavior has become increasingly erratic. He is reportedly taking a daily cocktail of drugs, and insiders describe him as more 'nasty' and prone to yelling. He is also embroiled in a feud with Sam Altman, the head of OpenAI, and has been lobbying against Altman's business deals.
Despite these challenges, it's premature to write off Musk entirely. He has a history of overcoming adversity, and his companies have consistently demonstrated innovation. However, these are undoubtedly difficult times for the once-celebrated figure in the MAGA movement.