Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has reportedly lost some of his shine in Donald Trump’s eyes following a very public spat with tech mogul Elon Musk. A former Trump adviser believes this row has damaged Farage’s once-close friendship with the former US president.
The Shifting Friendship with Trump
Farage—an MP for Clacton—has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump for years, even appearing at several of Trump’s campaign rallies. At one point, the American leader called for Farage to be the UK’s ambassador to Washington. Until recently, their relationship seemed unshakeable.
But according to Bryan Lanza, one of Trump’s former senior advisers, Farage is now “much smaller” in Trump’s eyes following his falling-out with Musk. Lanza told ITV’s Robert Peston that Trump values Musk’s opinion highly, citing his disruptive innovation and massive wealth as significant factors.
Trouble in Tech Paradise
Farage initially praised Elon Musk—whom he called a “hero” just weeks ago—and there were rumours that the X (formerly Twitter) CEO might donate $100 million to Reform. However, trouble began when Farage distanced himself from far-right figure Tommy Robinson, who is currently serving jail time. Musk had publicly demanded Robinson’s release, and he took Farage’s dissent personally:
“The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn’t have what it takes,” Musk wrote on X.
This perceived slight could mean that Farage’s influence with the new US administration is on the rocks, especially if Trump believes Musk’s take on the matter.
“Nigel Farage Is a Much Smaller Person”
Lanza told Robert Peston:
“There’s no one in the world today who is as disruptive and who has created as much wealth as Elon Musk. He’s going to listen to what Elon has to say… Nigel Farage is a much smaller person in Donald Trump’s eyes than he was two weeks ago.”
Farage Fails to Secure VIP Spot
Shortly after the Musk drama, Farage flew to Washington for Trump’s inauguration—but admitted he “didn’t make the cut” to sit in the main room where Trump was sworn in for his second term on Monday. Farage has promised to talk to Musk during his US trip to “mend any broken fences,” but so far, there’s no sign of a reconciliation.
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