Welcome back to Quick Takes. I’m your host, and today we’re unpacking a wild theory sweeping the conspiracy world: that the Musk-Trump breakup is nothing more than a “psyop.”

In a recent WIRED feature, reporters describe how this “extremely public and increasingly unhinged breakup” has sent shockwaves through Washington, forced Silicon Valley executives to pick sides, and even wiped more than $150 billion off Tesla’s market cap. Yet online, QAnon adherents and other fringe networks insist it’s all staged. As one commentator put it, “It’s the biggest psyop I’ve ever seen.”

They argue the spectacular fallout is designed to distract from more urgent issues—from congressional hearings to international conflicts—and to cement alliances behind closed doors. Social feeds are flooded with screenshots and cryptic messages claiming inside knowledge. But experts warn there’s zero evidence of a coordinated operation.

Whether you see it as geopolitical theater or simple rumor, one thing’s clear: when two of the world’s most powerful figures part ways, the conspiracy machine revs into overdrive. Thanks for listening to Quick Takes. Until next time, stay curious.
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