‘We had not anticipated the emotional connection many already felt with Musk’
Tensions Rise in Brantley County as CNN Explores Local Views on Trump and Musk’s Growing Influence
In a heated return to Georgia’s Brantley County, CNN’s Elle Reeve revisited the deeply red heart of the state, where nearly 90% of voters supported Donald Trump in the 2020 election. Despite Joe Biden securing Georgia’s electoral votes for the first time since 1992, Brantley County stayed firmly loyal to Trump’s Republican ticket. Fast forward to the 2024 election, and while Georgia remained a swing state, Trump narrowly clinched victory with 50.72% of the vote.
When Reeve made her return to the county in the aftermath of the election, the conversation quickly turned to Elon Musk and his increasingly prominent role, especially as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Reeve asked residents how they viewed Musk’s ties to President Trump. In response, locals described their loyalty to Trump as stemming from his appeal to the “everyday” person, in stark contrast to the elites. The county’s sentiments on Musk’s involvement were mixed, sparking debate over his growing influence and the shifting dynamics within Trump’s administration.
As Georgia continues to be a focal point in national politics, the conversations in Brantley County reflect a broader tension about power, influence, and the future direction of the Republican Party.
Brantley County Residents Show Unwavering Support for Musk and Trump, Igniting Heated Debate
Things got intense when CNN’s Elle Reeve returned to Georgia’s Brantley County, where residents passionately defended Elon Musk’s growing influence in the government. Local resident Josh Ebban Kirkland gushed over Musk’s new role, exclaiming, “You know somebody smarter?” When Reeve pushed back, suggesting that being smart doesn’t always equate to making good decisions, Kirkland was unphased: “You are 100% about that, there’s no doubt about that, it does not give me pause. I’m 100% team Musk.”
The overwhelming support for Musk was clear, with Kathy Hendrix echoing similar sentiments, calling him a “brilliant man.” While she acknowledged the uncertainties surrounding Musk, Hendrix revealed that people were genuinely “scared” about his alliance with Trump, adding that her Trump merchandise had been flying off the shelves, with the “Daddy’s Home” t-shirt being particularly popular.
However, the conversation took a sharp turn when Corbet Wilson, one of the few Trump skeptics in Brantley County, clashed with his friends over Musk’s controversial past. Reeve brought up Musk’s 2018 appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience where he smoked marijuana, raising concerns about his potential conflicts of interest as a government contractor. But Dave Herrin, a staunch Musk supporter, didn’t hold back, firing back at Reeve with a fiery defense: “There’s potheads all over this country, y’all trying to sit here bashing one man for what 99% of this country, Republican or Democrat, Corbet. This whole dagum town smokes pot.”
As the tension escalated, Herrin accused Reeve of being a Democrat and stormed away when she tried to show him proof of Musk’s marijuana use. He continued his tirade, declaring, “She’s coming in here with ignorant arguments. She ain’t talkin’ facts. I can prove you’re a Democrat by the level of ignorance you portray.” Before walking off, Herrin added a final note: “Donald Trump, Elon Musk, please drain this world. While you’re there, get the job done.”
The encounter was a reflection of the deep emotional connection many in Brantley County feel for Musk and Trump. Reeve herself admitted that she hadn’t anticipated such passionate support for Musk, noting that the town’s reaction to him was more fervent than expected. It’s clear that, in Brantley County, Musk and Trump’s alliance is a source of pride, with their supporters feeling strongly about the pair’s potential to reshape the country’s future.
