In a rare and striking interview, neuroscientist and former close friend of Elon Musk, Philip Low, is warning President Donald Trump not to underestimate Musk’s appetite for retaliation following their recent public fallout.
Low, who was close to Musk for over a decade, predicts the billionaire will work behind the scenes to undermine Trump’s political standing, despite their recent claims of reconciliation. “Knowing Elon the way I do,” Low told POLITICO, “he’s going to do everything to damage the president.”
The rift between Musk and Trump escalated earlier this month when Musk, frustrated with the president’s signature legislative effort—the One Big Beautiful Bill—blasted Trump on his platform X, floated third-party support, and hinted in a now-deleted post that the president was tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Trump had earlier threatened to revoke government contracts from Musk’s companies.
Despite Musk’s public walk-back and Trump’s statement that he wished Musk well, Low believes any truce is “purely cosmetic.”
“He Holds Grudges, Period”
Low, who once partnered with Stephen Hawking and founded the brain-monitoring startup NeuroVigil, recounted a long, complex relationship with Musk that began in 2011. The two grew close over late nights in Los Angeles and collaborated professionally—until things soured.
In 2021, Low fired Musk from NeuroVigil’s advisory board to prevent him from sabotaging the company. That moment, he says, permanently fractured their friendship. Their final break came in early 2025 after Low accused Musk on social media of performing Nazi salutes at Trump’s post-inaugural rally. Musk dismissed the backlash as “tired.”
“I made my displeasure known,” Low said. “I blocked him.” His viral open letter accused Musk of narcissism, power obsession, and a pattern of undermining anyone he can’t control.
Pattern of Revenge
According to Low, Musk has a consistent playbook: dominate or destroy. From clashing with PayPal’s Peter Thiel to battling Tesla co-founders and OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Musk’s history is riddled with rivalries. Low says Trump should expect no different.
“They were always on a collision course,” Low said, adding that Musk may still financially back Democratic challengers or conservative candidates who oppose Trump’s agenda.
Low’s comments come as Musk continues to downplay his political entanglements, recently shifting focus to Tesla’s new robotaxi launch in Texas. Yet, Low interprets Musk’s online behavior—like publicly disputing drug use allegations—as defensive moves driven by fear of contract loss or regulatory fallout.
“He Hasn’t Changed”
Low rejects the idea that Musk has changed with fame and fortune. “He’s just more comfortable showing this side of himself now,” he said. “He’s always been this way.”
Despite their severed ties, Low still monitors Musk’s moves and warns that if Trump underestimates his former ally, it could cost him. “Elon has wooed enough of Trump’s supporters to be a real threat politically,” he said.
His advice to Trump: “Abide by the Constitution. Moderate your agenda. And if you want to cut Musk off at the knees, adopt some of the policies he supports—especially on immigration and tech.”
In other words, don’t expect Elon Musk to walk away quietly.
