#TrumpVsMusk The feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk started when Musk criticized Trump's economic bill, calling it a "disgusting abomination" that would increase the federal deficit. Trump retaliated, expressing disappointment in Musk and threatening to revoke government subsidies for his companies. Here's a breakdown of their public spat¹:
- *Initial Criticism*: Musk slammed Trump's bill on June 3, saying it was "pork-filled" and urging voters to oust lawmakers who voted for it.
- *Trump's Response*: On June 5, Trump expressed disappointment in Musk, claiming their relationship had soured. He threatened to terminate government contracts and subsidies for Musk's companies, potentially saving "billions and billions of dollars."
- *Musk's Rebuttal*: Musk denied Trump's claims, stating he was never shown the bill and criticizing Trump's leadership. He even teased starting a new political party and backed calls for Trump's impeachment.
- *Personal Attacks*: The feud turned personal when Musk suggested Trump's name is in the Jeffrey Epstein files, implying a connection between the two. Musk also posted a decades-old quote from Trump praising Epstein.
- *Economic Threats*: Trump warned that Musk's government subsidies would be terminated, while Musk announced SpaceX would decommission its Dragon spacecraft in response.
- *Market Impact*: Tesla shares plummeted over 14%, wiping out approximately $152 billion in market value and costing Musk $8.73 billion in personal wealth.
The public clash between Trump and Musk has sparked intense debate, with some questioning the potential consequences for their respective businesses and the broader economy.²