The political tension of two men. Image of two masked people facing off to illustrate the political tension between Trump and Musk.

Power, Promises, and the Public: A Tarot Reflection on Political Tension

The political tension is rising in the United States and it can be overwhelming.  Recent headlines are filled with the public feud between two high-profile powerhouses, Elon Musk and Donald Trump. But what does this clash mean for us, the American people? And what does the Universe want us to consider through this very public display of conflict? To explore this, I pulled a five-card Tarot spread that revealed a story not just about these individuals—but about a deeper dysfunction in leadership and the collective emotional toll it’s taking on the nation.

 King of Pentacles Reversed – The Heart of the Matter for the American People

At its core, this isn’t just about a personal feud between two powerful figures; it’s a stark revelation for the American people about the nature of their leadership. The King reversed reveals a leadership, or elements within it, consumed by ego, greed, and control, often at the expense of genuine public service. This card symbolizes that the very foundation of how power and wealth are wielded in America has become unstable and self-serving, and the public is bearing witness to this dysfunction. The Universe is asking us to recognize when our leaders prioritize personal gain or battles over the common good.

Knight of Pentacles Reversed – The Impact on the People

This card powerfully reflects the public’s current state: stagnation, weariness, and a sense of being caught in a loop. Americans are experiencing the direct impact of posturing, infighting, and what feels like empty promises from those in power. Progress, particularly on issues that affect daily life, feels stalled.  The Universe reminds us: when leaders serve ego or conflict over the collective good, we all feel it. Progress stalls. The people feel stuck, like slogging through mud instead of moving forward.

Nine of Swords – The Hidden Forces Affecting the Public

Beneath the surface of this highly visible conflict lies widespread anxiety, fear, and a sense of manipulation within the populace. This card speaks directly to the mental and emotional toll on citizens. The very feud between these figures becomes a significant distraction and a source of collective unease, potentially used as a tool to divert attention or even spread fear. The Universe wants us to recognize the psychological burden these power struggles place upon us, and to identify the underlying anxieties they stir.

Nine of Pentacles Reversed – The Lesson for the American People

Here lies a crucial realization: American independence and self-sufficiency may be more illusion than truth. This card exposes misplaced trust and the cost of believing in “outsider” or “innovative” leaders. Not all who appear different act in the people’s best interest. The Universe reveals a hard truth—autonomy, whether personal or national, was never unconditional. It has long been shaped by hidden agendas and power struggles at the top. This is a call to question: Who truly benefits?

The Hermit Reversed – The Path Forward for the American People

The Hermit reversed warns of the deep danger in withdrawal and rising cynicism. While disengaging may feel tempting, Spirit reminds us: the path forward requires re-engagement with inner wisdom. We’re being called to reconnect with discernment—both personal and collective. Instead of following loud voices or retreating into echo chambers, we must quiet the noise and listen within. Trust your intuition. Reclaim your values. Look closely at what truly serves and what misleads. This card isn’t about isolation—it’s a powerful call to independent thought and inner guidance for the nation.

Final Reflection: A Call to Consciousness for the American People

This reading reveals a clear cycle at play: dysfunctional, self-serving leadership breeds public stagnation and fear. That fear leads to painful awakenings about the true nature of power and influence. While the feud between high-profile figures dominates headlines, Spirit presents it as a symptom—not the cause—of deeper imbalance. The real healing begins when people look past the drama and seek truth for themselves. From there, they can reclaim both personal and collective autonomy. Discernment and active engagement must replace despair and disconnection. This reading isn’t just information—it’s an urgent call to consciousness and empowered action for every American.

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