Beijing, July 3, 2025 – A heated political clash between U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has spilled onto the global stage, with Chinese social media users overwhelmingly rallying behind Musk. The public feud, centered on Trump’s controversial tax and spending bill, has ignited discussions on China’s Weibo platform, where hashtags like #MuskWantsToBuildAnAmericaParty have gone viral, amassing over 37 million views.
The dispute began when Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, called Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” a “disgusting abomination” and vowed to start a new political party, dubbed the “America Party,” if the bill passed the U.S. Senate. The legislation, which critics say will add $3.3 trillion to the U.S. national debt, has driven a wedge between the two former allies. Trump, in response, suggested Musk could face deportation to his native South Africa or lose billions in government subsidies for his companies. Musk fired back on his platform X, saying, “I am literally saying CUT IT ALL. Now.”
Chinese netizens have seized on the drama, with many praising Musk’s bold stance and “tech-driven mindset.” One Weibo user wrote, “Brother Musk, you’ve got over a billion people backing you,” reflecting the widespread admiration for Musk in China, where he is seen as a visionary innovator. Tesla’s strong presence in the Chinese market, coupled with Musk’s outspoken style, has made him a cultural icon in the country. In contrast, Trump remains unpopular in China, largely due to his aggressive trade policies during his first term.
The hashtag #MuskWantsToBuildAnAmericaParty trended rapidly after the Senate passed Trump’s bill on July 2, 2025, fueling speculation about Musk’s political ambitions. Some Chinese users see his proposed party as a fresh alternative to America’s two-party system, with one commenting, “Musk’s ideas could shake up politics with new energy.” Others view the feud as a sign of deeper divisions in U.S. politics, with Musk’s criticism resonating in a country wary of Trump’s unpredictable style.
While most Weibo users side with Musk, not all are in agreement. Some cautioned that his push for a new party might be unrealistic, pointing to the challenges of challenging America’s entrenched political system. Still, the outpouring of support highlights China’s fascination with Musk, whose mother, Maye Musk, has also gained a significant following on Chinese social media.
Analysts suggest China’s enthusiasm for Musk may reflect more than just admiration for his business achievements. “Musk is seen as a symbol of innovation and progress, qualities that resonate deeply in China’s tech-driven society,” said Dr. Li Wei, a Beijing-based political commentator. “At the same time, Trump’s trade war left a bitter taste, so it’s no surprise Chinese netizens are cheering for Musk in this feud.”
Could China be quietly picking a side in this billionaire showdown? While the Chinese government has not officially commented, the social media frenzy suggests a clear preference among the public. For now, the Musk-Trump saga continues to captivate audiences worldwide, with Chinese netizens watching closely as the tech mogul challenges the U.S. president on the global stage.
