I agree with all of that, Elon's downside risk is massive. Putting himself at Trump's mercy might turn out to be one of the biggest blunders ever. Trump seems happy with using Elon for now but he's the ultimate bully who loves to make powerful people grovel, and Elon won't like it if that focus turns to him.

Elon has been masterful at evading consequences for years so I won't be surprised to see him worm his way through this situation, although he does seem to be losing a step to say the least.