Former President
#DonaldTrump has confirmed that despite ongoing tensions with Elon Musk, he does not plan to sever ties with the billionaire’s companies, including Tesla and Starlink. In a recent statement, Trump emphasized, “I’m not getting rid of Tesla or Starlink,” but also warned that if Musk chooses to support Democratic candidates over Republican lawmakers, there could be significant repercussions.
Origins of the Dispute
The strained relationship between Trump and Musk began to unravel over a series of disagreements. One of the key issues was Musk's criticism of Trump’s new tax bill, which Musk referred to as “an abomination.” A central point of contention was the removal of the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit, which analysts estimate could result in a loss of $1.2 billion in profits for Tesla this year.
Further escalating tensions, Musk expressed dissatisfaction after Trump removed Jared Isaacman, a Musk ally, from consideration for a position in NASA leadership. Musk reportedly took the move personally.
Social Media Drama and Allegations
The feud took a more dramatic turn when Musk made a controversial claim on social media. In a now-deleted post, he suggested that Trump’s name appeared in classified Epstein files, implying a connection to the disgraced financier. Although the tweet was deleted, the screenshots went viral, further fueling the conflict.
In response, Trump hinted at the possibility of terminating federal contracts with Musk’s companies, stating, "I could do that. I haven’t thought about it – but I could."
Republican Divide
The discord between Trump and Musk has caused a rift within the Republican Party. Musk, who has financially supported conservative campaigns in the past, has also voiced his dissatisfaction with Trump. Notably, Musk liked posts calling for Trump's impeachment and endorsed other potential Republican candidates, such as Vice President J.D. Vance. He also criticized Trump's trade tariffs, warning that they could lead to a recession.
Trump Takes a Softer Tone
Despite the personal nature of the conflict, Trump appeared to soften his stance during a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He remarked that Musk once spoke highly of him and suggested that Musk might eventually reconcile. "Maybe he’ll come around," Trump said. "Maybe he already called—ask him."
Trump also indicated that he has no immediate plans to remove Tesla or Starlink contracts, leaving the door open to potential future decisions: "Maybe I’ll move the Tesla. Maybe not."
Conclusion
While tensions between Trump and Musk remain high, the former president has refrained from taking drastic actions against Musk’s companies, at least for now. The ongoing feud highlights the delicate balance that Republican lawmakers must navigate, caught between their allegiance to Trump and the growing influence of Musk in conservative circles. The situation remains fluid, and future developments could significantly impact both political and business landscapes.
Stay informed by following updates on this evolving story, especially in the context of the intersecting worlds of business and politics.