#TrumpVsMusk The feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk started over disagreements on the "Big Beautiful Bill," a tax-and-spending reconciliation package championed by Trump. Musk, who was a key supporter of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, donating over $290 million, has publicly criticized the bill for increasing the federal deficit by $2.4 trillion to $3.8 trillion over the next decade.
*Key Points of Contention:*
- *Deficit Spending*: Musk argues that the bill undermines the cost-cutting work he championed at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he served as a special government employee.
- *Electric Vehicle Tax Credits*: The bill repeals federal tax credits for electric vehicle purchases, directly impacting Tesla's business. Musk denies that his opposition is solely about EV incentives.
- *Personal and Political Tensions*: The feud has taken a personal turn, with both men trading insults on social media. Trump accused Musk of developing "Trump Derangement Syndrome," while Musk claimed credit for Trump's 2024 election victory and alleged Trump appears in unreleased Jeffrey Epstein files.
*Implications:*
- *Senate Resistance*: Musk's opposition has emboldened fiscal conservatives in the Senate, potentially blocking the bill's passage.
- *Economic Impact*: The public spat has already affected Tesla's stock, wiping out $150 billion in market value.
- *Musk's Political Evolution*: Musk's break with Trump may reflect a shift towards a more libertarian stance, potentially leading to a new political movement ¹.