In a dramatic escalation of tensions between two of the most influential figures in American politics and business, President Donald Trump is reportedly selling his Tesla and has no intention of contacting Elon Musk, according to two senior Trump administration officials who spoke on Friday.
The fallout between Trump and Musk—once seen as an alliance of convenience—has spiraled into a high-stakes public feud, with both men hurling barbs online. The rupture now threatens to carry serious political and financial consequences.
A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed that President Trump plans to sell the red Tesla he said he purchased in March. The purchase had originally been framed as a gesture of support for Musk amid growing criticism over Musk’s involvement in the administration’s advisory efforts.
But officials now say that Trump had little real interest in building a relationship with the billionaire CEO. Even after Musk signaled openness to easing tensions, Trump remained disengaged.
The feud flared Thursday night when Musk appeared to back away from an earlier threat to "immediately" retire SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft—a critical vehicle for transporting NASA astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station. Shortly thereafter, hedge-fund billionaire Bill Ackman called on both men to reconcile “for the benefit of our great country.” Musk’s response: “You’re not wrong.”
Still, the damage may already be done.
For Musk, the financial stakes are enormous. SpaceX and other Musk-owned enterprises have received billions in U.S. government contracts, and future allocations are now in jeopardy. President Trump has threatened to cut those contracts, a move that could cost Musk’s companies tens of billions of dollars.
But Trump, too, stands to lose. Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, contributed approximately $275 million to support Trump’s 2024 campaign and had pledged an additional $100 million to groups aligned with the president ahead of the 2026 midterms. Those promised funds remain undelivered and, given recent events, are now uncertain.
The rift between Trump and Musk represents more than a personal squabble—it’s a high-risk standoff with implications for both the political and economic landscape of the country. Whether the two titans can afford to maintain their rivalry remains to be seen.
