Trump (associated with the Earth element) and Musk (associated with the Metal element) once shared a close relationship, but in recent years their tensions have become increasingly public. From the perspective of the Five Elements (Wu Xing), their dynamic has shifted from “Earth generating Metal” to “Metal counteracting Earth.” The involvement of factors such as social media (Fire), political risk (Water), and electoral competition (Wood) has further intensified the conflict.

Earth Generates Metal, but Metal Counteracts Earth — From Cooperation to Confrontation

In the Five Elements (Wu Xing) system, Earth generates Metal, symbolizing how Trump (Earth-oriented, emphasizing stability) once supported Musk (Metal-oriented, emphasizing innovation). During Trump’s presidency, Musk’s companies—such as SpaceX and Tesla—secured numerous government contracts and favorable policies, forming a mutually beneficial “Earth generates Metal” relationship.

However, after Musk acquired Twitter (now X), the platform allowed the spread of information detrimental to Trump—such as scandals involving President Biden’s son—which weakened Trump’s political influence. In Five Elements terms, this shift represents “Metal counteracting Earth”: Musk (Metal), who once relied on Trump’s (Earth) support, turned to use his own platforms and resources to undermine him, leading to a deterioration in their relationship.

Fire as a Disrupted Mediator — The Catalytic Role of Social Media

In the Five Elements theory, social media belongs to the Fire element (as it spreads energy). Ideally, Fire could have mediated the Earth-Metal relationship (Fire generates Earth and controls Metal). However, after Musk took control of Twitter:

• He limited Trump’s reach (Fire no longer generates Earth, weakening Trump’s influence)
• He allowed anti-Trump voices to flourish (Fire empowering Metal to counter Earth, escalating tensions)

Thus, the Fire element—originally capable of easing the conflict—became a tool for intensifying it. In response, Trump launched his own platform, Truth Social (reinforcing Earth, rejecting Metal’s suppression), further deepening the divide between the two.

Undercurrents of Water — The Infiltration of Political Risk

In recent years, Trump has faced multiple legal investigations—symbolic of the Water element, which represents danger and uncertainty. Although Musk has publicly criticized what he calls “political persecution” (seemingly acting as Earth controlling Water to aid Trump), in reality, he uses these moments to boost his own influence (Metal generates Water, leveraging the situation at Trump’s expense). For example:

• Musk condemns the justice system as unfair, attracting conservative support, yet makes no real effort to protect Trump.
•  In response, Trump has accused “certain billionaires of colluding with the deep state,” subtly referring to Musk.

This “Metal generates Water, Water drains Earth” dynamic leaves Trump burdened by legal troubles while having to guard against Musk’s seemingly helpful but self-serving maneuvers.

Wood as Catalyst — Rising Tensions Ahead of the 2024 Election

The 2024 U.S. presidential election, symbolizing the Wood element (growth and competition), has become a flashpoint for their conflict:

•  Musk supports Ron DeSantis (Wood overcomes Earth, directly challenging Trump).
•  Trump criticizes EV subsidies as wasteful spending (Earth exhausts Wood, attacking Musk’s core industry).

Meanwhile, the rise of third-party candidates (like RFK Jr.) further splits the vote, creating a “Wood overwhelming Earth” situation. Musk’s Metal energy seizes this opportunity to expand his political influence (Metal controls Wood, but when Wood is strong, it can push back against Metal), making Trump’s campaign path even more difficult.

Reality Check — From Allies to Rivals

l Twitter Account Maneuvering: Musk reinstated Trump’s Twitter account but did not actively invite him back—an apparent gesture of goodwill masking deeper estrangement.

• Truth Social’s Countermove: Trump built his own platform, refusing to rely on Musk’s Twitter (an Earth defiance against Metal).
• Policy Disputes Made Public: On immigration, energy, and space exploration, the two have clashed repeatedly from a distance.

These developments confirm a clear shift—from strategic allies to ideological and political adversaries.

 

Conclusion: Future Outlook Through the Lens of the Five Elements

From the perspective of Xuanshu’s Five Element wisdom, the dynamic between Trump (associated with Earth) and Musk (associated with Metal) vividly illustrates the intricate transformations within the cycle of generation and control. Let us apply Xuanshu Dao's unique numerical logic to decode this modern political power struggle:

Numerical Evolution of the Earth–Metal Relationship

In the initial phase, the relationship reflected a “5-9” generative pattern (Earth generates Metal), as Trump’s presidency provided significant policy support for Musk’s enterprises. However, post-2022, the dynamic shifted into a “9-5” controlling pattern (Metal draining Earth). Especially after Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, changes to the platform’s algorithm created a “3-9-5” chain of control: Fire (media) originally nourishing Earth is diverted to nourish Metal, which in turn counters Earth.

Xuanshu Forecast for the Future

Media (Fire) becomes a critical variable:

• If supported by traditional media (strong Fire), it could form a favorable “3-5-9” flow pattern.
• However, social media as “virtual fire” currently presents a “3→9” direct Metal-feeding pattern, which strengthens Musk.

Judicial Risk (Water) and its quantified influence:

• Trump faces a “1-5” configuration, with Water countering Earth.
•  If Earth regains strength (political momentum), this could shift into a “5-1” reversal, where Earth overcomes Water.

Third Parties (Wood) as potential moderators:

•  Strong Wood presence may form a harmonious “7-9-5” combination.
•  Yet currently, Wood energy remains weak, making it difficult to resolve the Earth–Metal standoff.

Xuanshu's Insight

This political struggle is now in a “9-5” phase of confrontation, awaiting a shift in the energetic flow of 2024. It is advised to observe the fluctuations in Earth energy during the Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei months, and the rise and fall of Metal energy during the Shen and You months, as these time nodes may prove decisive in determining the final outcome.

Energy-Based Solutions to Political Conflict: A Five Element Perspective

From the perspective of elemental energy, the power struggle between Trump (associated with Earth) and Musk (associated with Metal) can be harmonized through the strategic use of gemstones with specific elemental properties. According to the principles of the Five Elements (Wu Xing), Earth naturally generates Metal, but when Metal becomes too dominant, it drains Earth’s energy—precisely the dynamic reflected in their current relationship.

For Trump (Earth Element)

As a representative of Earth energy, Trump should focus on strengthening two key energies:

Enhance Fire

Wearing Fire-element gemstones such as ruby or fire opal can help stabilize his energy field—since Fire generates Earth—and also serve to control Musk’s overwhelming Metal (Fire overcomes Metal).

Balance with Wood

Gemstones like emerald or turquoise (Wood element) help disperse excessive Earth energy, preventing stubbornness and over-rigidity. Additionally, Wood restrains Earth and weakens Metal (Wood depletes both), thus indirectly diminishing Musk’s dominance.

It’s important for Trump to avoid wearing metal-based jewelry, which could further drain his Earth energy.

 

For Musk (Metal Element)

As the dominant force of Metal energy, Musk should focus on tempering his edge:

Channel Through Water

Wearing aquamarine or other Water-element gemstones helps transform his aggressive Metal energy into cooperation—since Metal generates Water, which in turn nurtures Wood (growth, diplomacy).

Stabilize with Earth

Citrine (Yellow Quartz), an Earth-element stone, can help balance excessive Metal energy, keeping it within constructive bounds (Earth generates but also anchors Metal).

He should avoid Fire-element gemstones, which may provoke conflict and escalate tensions.

For Temporary Cooperation (Against a Third Party — Wood Element)

Should Trump and Musk need to temporarily align against a common third-party threat (symbolized by strong Wood energy), a complementary gemstone strategy can be used:

Trump: Wear Green Phantom Quartz (green phantom crystal) — a combination of Wood and Earth that helps relieve excessive Earth while subtly enhancing Fire.

Musk: Wear Malachite — a blend of Wood and Water elements, promoting a cycle where Water nourishes Wood, and Wood regulates Earth, fostering balance rather than confrontation.

This refined method of Five Element gemstone harmonization not only follows the natural rhythms of elemental balance but also reflects a subtle wisdom in political strategy. It offers a unique energetic solution to power conflicts through metaphysical balance and strategic self-regulation.

 

Disclaimer:

This analysis is for entertainment purposes only. It is based on traditional Chinese Five Element metaphysics and should not be used as a basis for evaluating real-world international political developments.