Arizona Senator Mark Kelly has responded forcefully to Elon Musk's repeated accusations labeling him a "traitor" for his support of Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. The public feud escalated after Musk, a billionaire entrepreneur and close adviser to former President Donald Trump, criticized Kelly's recent trip to Ukraine, where he advocated for continued U.S. military aid to the war-torn nation.
In a recent interview on Fox News, Musk doubled down on his claims, stating, "I think somebody should care about the interests of the United States above the interests of another country, and if they don’t, they’re a traitor." This comment came in response to Kelly's social media posts promoting U.S. support for Ukraine, which Musk interpreted as prioritizing Ukrainian interests over American ones.
Kelly, a decorated Navy combat pilot and former astronaut, fired back during an appearance on CNN, asserting, "I’ve spent an entire career standing up for our country, defending our country, flying in combat over Iraq, flying in space on the space shuttle, serving in the United States Senate." He emphasized that supporting Ukraine aligns with U.S. interests, stating, "Standing with our allies and standing up for democracy is in the best interest of the United States." In his remarks, Kelly also questioned Musk's loyalties, suggesting the billionaire is "much closer to Russia on this issue" and is more aligned with a group of wealthy individuals than with American values.
The clash began earlier this month when Kelly visited Ukraine, marking his third trip to the country since the Russian invasion began in 2022. During his visit, he toured military hospitals and met with Red Cross personnel, expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Following his trip, Kelly posted on social media that the U.S. could not "give up" on supporting Ukraine, arguing that any pause in military aid had detrimental effects on Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.
Musk's comments, however, have drawn criticism from various quarters, especially given Kelly's military background. Fox News host Bret Baier challenged Musk, reminding him of Kelly's accolades as a veteran and senator. Musk remained unfazed, reiterating that Kelly's actions were unpatriotic in his view.
In a show of protest against Musk's remarks, Kelly announced he would sell his Tesla, stating, "Every time I get in this car, it reminds me just how much damage Donald Trump and Elon Musk are doing to our country." He expressed his discontent with Musk's leadership and policies, which he believes harm vulnerable populations, including veterans and seniors. Kelly has since opted for a Chevrolet Tahoe as his new vehicle.
This feud has not only highlighted the tensions between Musk and Kelly but also reflects broader divisions in American politics regarding support for Ukraine. The Trump administration's approach to the conflict has been contentious, with recent meetings between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly devolving into heated exchanges.
Kelly's criticism of Trump and Musk's positions comes at a time when U.S. foreign policy regarding Ukraine is under scrutiny. The senator pointed out that the safety of Ukraine is intrinsically linked to the safety of the United States, a sentiment that resonates with many in the current political climate.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Musk has maintained a significant influence on U.S. policy through his close ties to Trump. His comments have sparked backlash from both sides of the political spectrum, with many Democrats rallying around Kelly's defense of Ukraine. The senator's insistence on the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine has resonated with constituents who believe in the necessity of standing against Russian aggression.
As the situation unfolds, the public's attention remains fixated on how this feud will impact both Kelly's political career and Musk's business ventures. With the Tesla stock price already experiencing fluctuations, the implications of this public spat could extend beyond personal attacks to affect broader economic and political landscapes.
In summary, the ongoing exchange between Senator Kelly and Elon Musk underscores the complexities of American foreign policy and the personal dynamics that can influence public discourse. Kelly's commitment to supporting Ukraine stands in stark contrast to Musk's views, and as both figures continue to engage in this public battle, the ramifications for their respective spheres—politics and business—could be significant.
