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Unlike Musk, Philip Low prefers to stay out of the spotlight, but in an interview, he predicts that Musk does not forget or forgive how Donald Trump treated him.
Unlike Musk, Philip Low prefers to stay out of the spotlight, but in an interview, he predicts that Musk does not forget or forgive how Donald Trump treated him.
What is happening?
In a rare interview with Politico, Philip Low, a neuroscientist and former close friend of Elon Musk, is sounding the alarm for Donald Trump: don’t underestimate Musk’s capacity for vengeance.
After firing Musk from his startup’s advisory board, Low learned the hard way that Musk doesn’t let go of grudges easily.
A Psychological Sketch of Elon Musk
In a wide-ranging interview, Low painted Musk as obsessive, power-hungry, and relentlessly competitive.
He argued Musk harbors long-term resentments and is driven by an overwhelming need to dominate—not just in tech, but now, in politics too.
A Long Friendship Turned Cold
Despite staying in touch for years after the split, Low said their friendship never recovered.
The final break came in early 2025 after Low publicly accused Musk of making Nazi salutes at Trump’s rally—a charge Musk dismissed as “sooo” tired.
Musk vs. Trump: A Clash of Egos
The Musk-Trump feud exploded this year over a sprawling legislative package championed by Trump.
Musk attacked the bill on X, took credit for Trump’s election, and made insinuations about Epstein records—all adding fuel to the fire.
The Illusion of Reconciliation
Though both men later issued conciliatory remarks, Low is skeptical.
He believes any reconciliation is purely strategic, warning that Musk’s bruised ego may lead him to undermine Trump from the shadows.
From Allies to Adversaries
Low recounted the early days of his friendship with Musk, beginning in 2011 in Paris.
They grew close through long nights in L.A., shared parties, and candid talks about life, business, and ambition—until business and ideology drove them apart.
The Advisory Board Breakup
Musk once invested in Low’s neurotechnology firm, NeuroVigil. But when Musk wanted out in 2021, Low cut ties with a sharp message.
Musk had launched Neuralink by then, and Low made it clear: that Musk did not want to mess with him.
Musk’s Political Makeover
Having donated $288 million in the 2024 election, Musk became a major MAGA donor.
But his political about-face and later falling-out with Trump cast doubt on his loyalties.
His scaled-back ambitions for 2026 suggest a strategic recalibration.
Warning Signs from a Former Insider
Low predicts Musk’s political revenge is inevitable.
He claims Trump underestimates the threat, especially if Musk channels resources toward Democrats or rivals of Trump-aligned Republicans.
A Pattern of Power Plays
According to Low, Musk has a well-worn strategy: dominate or destroy.
From PayPal to Tesla to OpenAI, he’s battled co-founders and competitors.
Low says Musk’s political shift is just another front in his campaign for control.
Fallout from the Final Letter
After confronting Musk over his rally behavior, Low went public with a scathing letter, calling Musk a narcissist consumed by a thirst for power.
It went viral, and while Musk stayed silent, the fallout was seismic.
Silicon Valley Whispers
Though few in tech openly criticize Musk, Low said many thanked him privately.
With financial ties to Musk, they feared retaliation—but his message, they said, resonated.
Some even agreed with him “violently.”
Musk on the Defensive
Low believes Musk’s recent defensive posts, including negative drug test results, reflect real concern—especially over potential damage to government contracts.
Musk’s silence speaks volumes, Low suggests.
Tech vs. Trump on Immigration
Low criticized Trump’s immigration crackdowns, warning they threaten America’s AI leadership.
He believes Musk once supported easing barriers for skilled immigrants—something Trump might consider adopting to counter Musk’s influence.
The Bigger Battle Ahead
In Low’s eyes, Musk’s political pivot could pose a serious challenge to Trump. To outmaneuver him,
Low advises Trump to moderate his policies and absorb some of Musk’s tech-friendly stances—before it’s too late.
