Elon Musk found himself the subject of intense online criticism after a moment with his close friend Donald Trump went viral over the weekend.
The two were seen together at a UFC event in New York City, where Musk’s behavior quickly became the topic of conversation.
The “Cringe-Worthy” Moment
The incident that caught everyone’s attention occurred when Musk was seen sitting next to Trump, absorbed in his phone.
At one point, something on his screen seemed to amuse him, prompting Musk to burst into laughter.
His dramatic cackle was so loud that he had to cover his face with his hand.
However, Trump, who was focused elsewhere, didn’t react to Musk’s outburst.
Instead, he pointed towards the UFC ring, subtly directing Musk’s attention back to the fight.
Backlash and Criticism on X
The video of the exchange quickly made its rounds on X (formerly Twitter), where users were quick to criticize Musk’s behavior.
Many saw his exaggerated laugh as an attempt to get Trump’s attention, accusing him of trying to bait Trump into asking what was so funny.
Comments flooded in, with one user calling it “unsubtle and icky,” while another described it as a “bad improv skit.”
Critics said Musk’s laughter felt “manipulative and overly-calculated,” highlighting how it came off as awkward and lacking finesse.
Defenders Step In
Not everyone was quick to condemn Musk, however.
Some defended him, suggesting that maybe he just saw something funny.
“What, you’ve never laughed at something before?” one commenter quipped.
Others argued that it was unfair to read too much into his laughter, stating, “Can’t just let a man laugh now, huh?”
Musk and Trump’s Evolving Relationship
Despite their differing political backgrounds in the past, Musk and Trump have become increasingly close in recent years.
Musk, a former Democrat who voted for Barack Obama in multiple elections, had once criticized Trump, even stating that he was “too old” to be president.
However, by 2024, Musk had become one of Trump’s most prominent supporters, even donating $120 million to a pro-Trump PAC.
The two have been seen together often, including on election night when Trump won the 2024 presidential race against Kamala Harris.
The ongoing bond between the two has left many wondering what the future holds for this unusual friendship.
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