The once promising collaboration between President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has rapidly descended into an unprecedented public feud. In a matter of days, the pair transitioned from exchanging praises to trading barbs, with sharp criticisms and subtle political threats flying between them.
From Cooperation to Conflict
The tension erupted after Musk stepped down as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a controversial agency initiated by Trump to cut public spending and streamline government bureaucracy. Although his departure was officially termed the conclusion of a temporary contract, with Trump lauding Musk's contributions as "a colossal change," the discord soon surfaced.
The catalyst for the fallout was Trump's new budget proposal, which gained approval from the House of Representatives and was condemned by Musk as a "disgusting abomination." "Shame on those who voted for it: they know they are wrong. They know," Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter), discarding any diplomatic restraint.
Criticism of the "Big Beautiful Bill"
Musk, who claimed to have saved the federal government $175 billion during his stint at DOGE, slammed Trump's fiscal proposal, dubbed the Big Beautiful Bill, for undermining the progress made by his team. "This massive and outrageous bill, filled with unnecessary expenditures, increases the deficit and betrays the principles of efficiency and fiscal responsibility we promoted," Musk asserted.
According to Musk, the plan could swell the budget deficit to $2.5 trillion, a concern echoed by independent bodies: the Penn Wharton Budget Model forecasts a $2.8 trillion impact, while a Yale Budget Lab study estimates that the long-term cost could reach $23.7 trillion, boosting the debt to 200% of GDP by 2055.
Trump's Retaliation: "He Lost It!"
Trump shot back on Truth Social, his social media platform, with fervor. "Elon was 'running out of steam,' I asked him to leave, took away his Electric Vehicle Mandate... and he just went CRAZY!" In another message, Trump targeted Musk's companies' public contracts. "The easiest way to save billions is to cancel Elon's government subsidies and contracts. I was always surprised Biden didn't do it!"
These fiery exchanges signify the breakdown of one of the most unusual alliances between politics and technology in the United States.
The Fallout and Future Implications
The dispute further intensified when Musk publicly responded to Trump's accusations. Via his official X account, the entrepreneur quoted the president's remarks and countered bluntly: "What an obvious lie. How sad." This comment, paired with a screenshot of Trump's accusation of Musk losing his mind, marks a definitive digital rupture between the two, witnessed by millions.
Further escalating the tension, the EFE agency verified that Trump has threatened to terminate all government contracts with Musk following their fiscal plan clash. Such a move could directly impact SpaceX, Tesla, and other companies tied to federal programs.
Musk hinted at using his wealth to support candidates opposing the Republicans who backed the bill, signaling a break from Trumpism. "Next November, we will oust all politicians who betrayed the American people," Musk warned.
Despite contributing at least $250 million to Trump's 2024 campaign, Musk now insists his future involvement will hinge on defending sound economic principles rather than partisan loyalty.
The End of the "Musk-Trump Romance"?
What seemed like a solid relationship after the May 30 ceremony, where Trump presented Musk with a symbolic key and hailed him as an "innovative genius," has now entered a phase of open confrontation. Although Musk maintained he would remain an "informal advisor," his recent words and actions signal a profound rift. There is even speculation that the White House discreetly withdrew Jared Isaacman's nomination, a Musk ally, as NASA director in a preemptive retaliatory move.
Presidential spokesperson Karoline Leavitt attempted to downplay the conflict, stating: "The president is already aware of Elon Musk's stance on this bill. It does not change the president's perspective."
Understanding the Musk-Trump Clash
What led to the conflict between Trump and Musk?
The conflict began after Musk criticized Trump's budget proposal, which led to a public exchange of accusations and threats, marking the end of their collaboration.
How might Trump's actions affect Musk's businesses?
If Trump cancels government contracts, it could significantly impact SpaceX, Tesla, and other Musk-linked companies involved in federal programs.
What are Musk's plans following the dispute?
Musk has suggested he may financially support candidates who oppose Republicans backing the bill, indicating a shift away from Trumpism.