‘Absolutely Rich Coming from This Guy’: Elon Musk Says Americans Must Embrace ‘Temporary Hardship’ from Economic Collapse If Donald Trump Is Elected, Sparking Backlash

You can’t say they haven’t warned us. Donald Trump has mused openly about being a dictator for a day, seeking retribution against his political enemies and mass deportations unlike any seen before. Appearing Friday at a campaign town hall, one of his more outspoken surrogates, Elon Musk, said Americans should prepare for “temporary hardship” if the Republican nominee reassumes the presidency. Musk said he would “balance the budget immediately,” cutting social services to people he said are “taking advantage of government.” “I’ll probably need a lot of security, but it’s got to be done,” said Musk, who appears intent on leading Trump’s proposed “Department of Government Efficiency,” which would “trim the fat” from government agencies, particularly those responsible for oversight and regulation. “And if it’s not done, we’ll just go bankrupt.” Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump offers his hand to Elon Musk back stage during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds on October 05, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. This is the first time that Trump has returned to Butler since he was injured during an attempted assassination on July 13. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) It’s an unusual pitch to working Americans who are having...