The conflict between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has intensified into a public battle, shifting from political disagreements to personal attacks. It began when Musk criticized a Republican-backed spending bill, calling it financially irresponsible. Trump responded by suggesting Musk was only upset because the legislation reduced subsidies for electric vehicles, which benefit Tesla.
The dispute escalated as Trump threatened to cancel government contracts with Musk's companies, including SpaceX and Tesla. Musk fired back by implying Trump should be impeached and replaced, claiming Trump wouldn't have won the 2024 election without his financial support. At one point, Musk even floated the idea of decommissioning SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, a critical asset for NASA, though he later backtracked.
The feud grew more personal when Musk hinted that Trump’s name might appear in unreleased documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump denied any connection, while the White House dismissed Musk’s comments as unfounded.
The fallout has been significant. Tesla’s stock dropped sharply, erasing billions in market value. The Republican Party faces internal divisions, with some lawmakers supporting Trump while others worry about alienating Musk’s influence. Musk has also suggested forming a new political party, signaling a potential break from Trump’s movement.
Recent developments suggest a possible truce. Musk softened his stance on the Dragon spacecraft, and Trump downplayed the conflict in public remarks. White House aides have reportedly arranged a call between the two to ease tensions.
This clash underscores the volatile nature of alliances among powerful figures. For Trump, losing Musk’s backing could weaken his political agenda. For Musk, the fight risks damaging his companies’ relationships with the government, particularly SpaceX’s reliance on federal contracts. The outcome—whether reconciliation or further conflict—could have lasting effects on politics, business, and technology.