‘Working in tandem with Elon’: Newsmax host drops unhinged conspiracy theory to explain Trump-Musk lovers feud, calling it ‘4D chess’

Just when you thought the Trump-Musk bromance was dead and buried under the wreckage of “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a Newsmax host swoops in to drop a conspiracy theory so spicy it deserves a tinfoil hat.

According to Carl Higbie, a former Navy SEAL and full-time MAGA megaphone, the recent feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk isn’t real—no, it’s all an elaborate piece of “4D chess.”

Yep. You read that right. Donald Trump and Elon Musk aren’t feuding—they’re pretending to feud. For… reasons.

Let’s rewind: What’s the drama again?

Musk, tech overlord and chaos goblin, had been cozying up to Trump lately—so much so that he took a role in the Trump 2025 transition effort, and headed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). But things got weird fast when Musk abruptly resigned before unleashing a flamethrower of a tweet calling Trump’s legislative crown jewel—the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—a “disgusting abomination.”

And what exactly is this big, beautiful disaster? It’s Trump’s mega-bill that basically smashes together defense hikes, cuts to social programs, and tax goodies for the ultra-rich into one bloated package.

It’s also bad news for Elon, slashing EV tax credits and tightening regulations on green tech that directly impact his empire.

Enter Higbie’s 4D Chess Theory

But fear not, MAGA diehards—Higbie has a theory to protect your favorite odd couple. On his Newsmax show, Carl Higbie Frontline, Higbie suggested the whole thing is “4D chess.” According to him, Trump and Musk are actually “working in tandem” and only pretending to fight to throw off the libs, distract from the bill’s critics, or accomplish something even more galaxy-brained.

Higbie said, “I think Trump might be working in tandem with Elon here to tank his own bill in a 4D chess move!” No sources. No documents. Just vibes.

The reality: Billionaires behaving badly

Conspiracy theories aside, the facts are a bit more boring but also more relevant. Musk’s opposition to the bill is rooted in dollars and sense. The legislation would gut EV tax breaks and redirect federal support toward fossil fuels, war machines, and pet GOP causes. Tesla, SpaceX, and every green venture Musk touches would take a direct hit.

Meanwhile, Trump doesn’t take criticism well, especially from a former ally with 180 million Twitter (sorry, X) followers. So naturally, he launched a counterattack. No 4D chess, just two egos clashing over policy and pride. And while Musk’s tweets aren’t helping, it’s a far cry from secret cooperation. If that’s a strategy, it’s not 4D. It’s just dumb.