#TrumpVsMusk It Was Predictable

Many observers have suggested the rift was only a matter of time. Both men have big egos, aggressive communication styles, and a penchant for direct messaging on social media. But the escalation is remarkable, considering that just six days ago, Trump and Musk appeared together at the White House for a press conference in which they praised each other.

Musk previously served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, a strategic position he used to push for federal spending cuts and bureaucratic red tape. But his policies have sparked clashes with a number of cabinet ministers and damaged internal relationships.

"Look, Elon and I have a great relationship. But I don't know if that's still the case," Trump told reporters.

The rift escalated when Musk sharply criticized Trump's proposed tax and spending bill, calling it a "disgusting bill" that could add between $2.4 trillion and $5 trillion to the national debt.

Trump accused Musk of being angry because the bill eliminated tax incentives for electric vehicles. "He's just upset that he's losing the benefits of the electric car tax credit," Trump said.

Musk denied the move, saying he didn't mind the elimination of incentives as long as the "mountain of waste" was also eliminated. He even conducted a poll for his 220 million followers: "Is it time for a new political party that represents the 80% of the people in the middle?"