Musk hosts friendly chat with Trump on X after tech delays

Elon Musk’s much-anticipated discussion with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on the billionaire’s platform X was marred by technical issues.

The conversation, in which Musk asked friendly questions on subjects such as immigration and inflation, began more than 40 minutes late as many users struggled to gain access.

The event was billed as an interview but Trump made a series of unsubstantiated claims that went without challenge.

Musk repeated his endorsement of Trump, who faces a resurgent new Democratic candidate, Vice-President Kamala Harris, in November’s election.

He blamed the glitches on a cyber-attack but one expert told the BBC that was unlikely.

The conversation on X comes as Trump, the former president and Republican presidential nominee, is trying to reset his re-election campaign.

The entry of Harris after President Joe Biden stepped aside has tightened the race for the White House.

Musk meanwhile has become an increasingly influential voice in politics.