Trump and Musk: From Allies to Enemies
The once-strong bond between President donald trump and billionaire Elon Musk has crumbled into a public feud, marked by heated exchanges and mutual accusations. Their partnership, which flourished during the 2024 election, has soured, with significant repercussions for politics and business. This article delves into the causes of their falling out, recent developments, and the potential fallout.
From Partnership to Conflict
In 2024, trump and Musk were close allies. Musk poured nearly $300 million into Trump’s campaign and Republican causes, becoming a fixture at Mar-a-Lago and joining key discussions with global leaders like Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan. trump playfully noted Musk’s constant presence, joking to NBC news, “I can’t shake him.” Musk also took a temporary role leading the Department of government Efficiency (DOGE), aiming to cut federal spending by $1 trillion, though he achieved about $175 billion.
Tensions emerged over Trump’s massive tax, border, and defense bill, dubbed the “Big, beautiful Bill.” Musk, who had been less active politically, criticized it on X as a “horrible bill” that would inflate the deficit by over $2 trillion, urging his 200 million followers to oppose it. trump, speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on june 5, 2025, expressed frustration, suggesting Musk’s opposition was driven by the bill’s removal of electric vehicle tax credits, which could hurt Tesla.
Escalating Hostilities
The dispute turned personal on june 5, 2025, as both men aired grievances online. On Truth Social, trump called Musk “unhinged” and threatened to cancel billions in government contracts with SpaceX and Starlink, noting, “Ending Elon’s contracts is the fastest way to save billions.” Musk hit back on X, claiming trump owed his 2024 victory to him and even supported a post calling for Trump’s impeachment in favor of Vice President JD Vance. Musk also made an unsubstantiated claim tying trump to Jeffrey Epstein’s files, prompting a white house rebuke.
Roots of the Rift
The clash wasn’t sudden. By late 2024, Musk’s outsized influence at Mar-a-Lago frustrated Trump’s inner circle, with some labeling him a “shadow president.” His DOGE cuts clashed with cabinet members, and his public spats with Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro over tariffs hinted at deeper divides. By May 2025, trump distanced himself from Musk, who left the administration on May 29 after a 130-day stint, touting his achievements despite missing his savings target.
Ripple Effects
The feud has hit Musk’s businesses hard. Tesla’s stock dropped 14% on june 5, 2025, losing $150 billion in value, as Trump’s contract threats loomed. SpaceX, reliant on $38 billion in government deals, faces uncertainty. Trump’s decision to withdraw Musk ally Jared Isaacman as nasa administrator nominee further signaled a break.
For trump, losing Musk’s support risks alienating a key backer and the X platform’s influence. Yet, Republican figures like Senators josh Hawley and john Thune minimized Musk’s role, with Hawley calling his election claims exaggerated.
Looking Ahead
The Trump-Musk rift has transformed a once-powerful alliance into a bitter standoff. Musk’s provocative attacks and Trump’s threats to target his companies suggest a lasting divide. As trump pushes his legislative agenda and Musk refocuses on his ventures, the fallout could reshape political and economic dynamics. Tesla’s sales struggles and SpaceX’s contract risks add pressure, while trump faces challenges without Musk’s financial and social media clout.
As Vice President JD Vance quipped on X, sidestepping the drama with a nod to comedian Theo Von, the news cycle is anything but quiet. The Trump-Musk saga promises more twists as these two titans navigate their fractured relationship.
The once-strong bond between President donald trump and billionaire Elon Musk has crumbled into a public feud, marked by heated exchanges and mutual accusations. Their partnership, which flourished during the 2024 election, has soured, with significant repercussions for politics and business. This article delves into the causes of their falling out, recent developments, and the potential fallout.
From Partnership to Conflict
In 2024, trump and Musk were close allies. Musk poured nearly $300 million into Trump’s campaign and Republican causes, becoming a fixture at Mar-a-Lago and joining key discussions with global leaders like Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan. trump playfully noted Musk’s constant presence, joking to NBC news, “I can’t shake him.” Musk also took a temporary role leading the Department of government Efficiency (DOGE), aiming to cut federal spending by $1 trillion, though he achieved about $175 billion.
Tensions emerged over Trump’s massive tax, border, and defense bill, dubbed the “Big, beautiful Bill.” Musk, who had been less active politically, criticized it on X as a “horrible bill” that would inflate the deficit by over $2 trillion, urging his 200 million followers to oppose it. trump, speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on june 5, 2025, expressed frustration, suggesting Musk’s opposition was driven by the bill’s removal of electric vehicle tax credits, which could hurt Tesla.
Escalating Hostilities
The dispute turned personal on june 5, 2025, as both men aired grievances online. On Truth Social, trump called Musk “unhinged” and threatened to cancel billions in government contracts with SpaceX and Starlink, noting, “Ending Elon’s contracts is the fastest way to save billions.” Musk hit back on X, claiming trump owed his 2024 victory to him and even supported a post calling for Trump’s impeachment in favor of Vice President JD Vance. Musk also made an unsubstantiated claim tying trump to Jeffrey Epstein’s files, prompting a white house rebuke.
Roots of the Rift
The clash wasn’t sudden. By late 2024, Musk’s outsized influence at Mar-a-Lago frustrated Trump’s inner circle, with some labeling him a “shadow president.” His DOGE cuts clashed with cabinet members, and his public spats with Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro over tariffs hinted at deeper divides. By May 2025, trump distanced himself from Musk, who left the administration on May 29 after a 130-day stint, touting his achievements despite missing his savings target.
Ripple Effects
The feud has hit Musk’s businesses hard. Tesla’s stock dropped 14% on june 5, 2025, losing $150 billion in value, as Trump’s contract threats loomed. SpaceX, reliant on $38 billion in government deals, faces uncertainty. Trump’s decision to withdraw Musk ally Jared Isaacman as nasa administrator nominee further signaled a break.
For trump, losing Musk’s support risks alienating a key backer and the X platform’s influence. Yet, Republican figures like Senators josh Hawley and john Thune minimized Musk’s role, with Hawley calling his election claims exaggerated.
Looking Ahead
The Trump-Musk rift has transformed a once-powerful alliance into a bitter standoff. Musk’s provocative attacks and Trump’s threats to target his companies suggest a lasting divide. As trump pushes his legislative agenda and Musk refocuses on his ventures, the fallout could reshape political and economic dynamics. Tesla’s sales struggles and SpaceX’s contract risks add pressure, while trump faces challenges without Musk’s financial and social media clout.
As Vice President JD Vance quipped on X, sidestepping the drama with a nod to comedian Theo Von, the news cycle is anything but quiet. The Trump-Musk saga promises more twists as these two titans navigate their fractured relationship.
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