Elon Musk vs. Donald Trump — What’s Going On?
Easy‑read explainer, 3 July 2025
1. Why are they fighting?
Former President $TRUMP says Musk’s companies (Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink) got “unfair billions” in government help. He has told the new Department of Government Efficiency ($DOGE
)
to audit every contract and subsidy Musk has received.
aljazeera.com
en.wikipedia.org
Musk believes this is a personal attack. Several reporters say they heard him promise: “I’ll take you down, even if it’s the last thing I do.”
binance.com
businessinsider.com
2. What has each side done so far?
What Trump did What Musk did
Ordered DOGE to review all federal funding tied to Musk‑owned firms. Threatened to spend his own money to defeat politicians who side with Trump, and hinted at forming a new party.
Floated cutting clean‑energy subsidies and even deporting Musk if wrongdoing is found. Repeatedly blasted Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” on social media and in private meetings.
theguardian.com
reuters.com
3. How is the market reacting?
Tesla’s share price slid about 6 % after Trump’s subsidy threat. Investors worry big government contracts could be frozen.
aljazeera.com
SpaceX suppliers say they are “on hold” until the audits finish, slowing some launch schedules. (Company memo seen by Reuters.)
reuters.com
4. Is Musk’s quote confirmed?
No. Musk has not posted the line on his official X account, and his spokesman declined comment. But two senior SpaceX managers and a Tesla board adviser tell reporters the remark is real and reflects Musk’s mood.
businessinsider.com
5. What could happen next?
DOGE audit findings — If auditors claim misuse of funds, the Justice Department could sue or cancel contracts.
Political donations — Musk spent the most money of any donor in 2024; he could fund primary challengers against pro‑Trump lawmakers.
businessinsider.com
Court fights — Musk’s lawyers say they will sue if audits become what they call “political revenge.”
Tech‑vs‑politics narrative — The feud may shape the 2026 mid‑terms, pitting “innovation” against “government waste.”
6. Why it matters to ordinary people
Jobs & stock prices: Tesla, SpaceX, and their suppliers employ hundreds of thousands. Contract cuts could mean layoffs or price swings.
Clean‑energy policy: Removing subsidies might slow the roll‑out of electric cars and solar projects.
Big‑donor power: The spat shows how one billionaire can pressure politicians — or fail, if voters don’t follow.
In short: Trump is using a new government office to probe Musk’s businesses; Musk vows to fight back with money and influence. The conflict is real, but the fiercest quote is still unverified. Watch for audit results and possible court cases in the coming weeks.