Cyberattack delays the anticipated interview between Musk and Trump on X.

The long-awaited interview between Elon Musk and Donald Trump on platform X, formerly Twitter, was marred by a cyberattack that caused a significant delay in its broadcast. Musk, who has taken on a central role in the U.S. digital and political landscape following the acquisition of this social network, did not hesitate to point out that a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack was the cause of the technical difficulties faced by both him and the former president. The event was scheduled for 8:00 PM Eastern Time, but viewers had to wait more than half an hour for the conversation to finally begin. In an ironic twist, Musk used his social media to report on the cyberattack, stating that it was a "massive attack" being dealt with by his team. The situation became embarrassing for both billionaires, who had promised a "limitless" discussion on various topics. Once the interview finally began, Musk remarked that the attack illustrated many people's resistance to simply listening to what Trump had to say. This statement underscores the polarized political climate in which both figures find themselves, especially Musk, who has faced criticism for transforming X into a space where conspiracy theories and misinformation proliferate. Despite the initial technical problems, the audience quickly surged, reaching over a million participants in the early moments of the chat. This remarkable interest could be seen as an indicator of how relevant Trump remains in the American political conversation, despite his past controversies, which included his ban from the platform following the Capitol riot in January 2021. Musk, now the owner of the platform, reinstated Trump’s account in 2022, allowing the former president to once again use one of his favorite communication platforms. However, until now, Trump had opted to remain on his own social network, Truth Social, despite the temptation to return to X with its considerable follower base. The interview not only represents a return for Trump but also a challenge for Musk, who has seen his reputation and company facing increasing criticism. It harkens back to a time when Musk had supported Ron DeSantis, Trump’s Republican rival, adding another layer of complexity to his relationship with the conservative community. The situation became even tenser when, hours before the interview, Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Digital Affairs, sent a letter to Musk reminding him of his moderation responsibilities on the platform. In response, Musk did not hold back, posting a provocative meme that dismissed the warning, an act that reflects his combative style and resistance to regulation. With the chat underway and the technical issues seemingly resolved, Musk committed to releasing the recording of the conversation "as soon as possible." This underscores his intention to maximize the impact of the interview, which has implications not only for his platform but also for the future of American politics. The outcome of this episode highlights not only the risks associated with modern technology and communication but also the role of influential personalities in shaping public opinion. As Musk continues his relationship with Trump and his role in politics, the impact of this cyberattack could serve as a reminder of the challenges facing digital communication today. Ultimately, the relationship between Musk and Trump, as well as the future of X, are topics that will likely continue to resonate in the political and media landscape of the United States. With millions focused on these two figures, every intervention, every statement, and every cyberattack will be under the scrutiny of an increasingly divided and passionate audience.