A fierce public feud has broken out between U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and former government official, after Musk harshly criticised the administration’s centrepiece tax and spending bill. The row, which unfolded across social media platforms owned by both men, marks a dramatic collapse of their once-close alliance.
Musk, who served briefly as Director of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), took to his social platform X to slam the bill as a “disgusting abomination,” accusing lawmakers of irresponsibly adding to the national debt. President Trump, speaking during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, expressed his disappointment, hinting the relationship may be beyond repair.
From Ally to Adversary: The Breakdown of a Political Partnership
The rift follows weeks of behind-the-scenes lobbying by Musk against the bill, which passed the House last month and is now pending in the Senate. Sources close to the administration say Musk objected to the bill’s exclusion of broader cuts to fossil fuel subsidies while trimming clean energy incentives.
Trump, meanwhile, suggested Musk’s opposition stemmed from a conflict of interest related to Tesla, which benefits from electric vehicle subsidies. “Elon knew the bill better than anyone,” Trump said. “Now he’s suddenly opposed? Strange.” Musk denied personal motives, posting: “Keep the EV/solar cuts if you must, but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK.”
A Day of Digital Crossfire: Insults, Accusations, and Threats
The feud escalated throughout Thursday in a barrage of posts and retorts. Trump described Musk as having “just went CRAZY” on Truth Social, suggesting the easiest way to cut spending was to end “Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts.” The president’s post implied that Musk’s businesses had grown overly reliant on government support.
Musk responded by threatening to decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which services the International Space Station, before appearing to walk back the statement hours later. Tesla stock fell 14% during the trading session, with investors spooked by the billionaire’s combative posture and the risk to federal contracts.
The Personal Becomes Political: Musk Claims Credit for GOP Victory
Musk appeared incensed not only by the legislation but also by what he perceived as Trump’s ingratitude. “Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” he wrote on X, adding that the Republican Party’s dominant showing last November would not have been possible without his support.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who reportedly spent $290 million supporting Trump’s 2024 re-election bid following an assassination attempt last year, accused the president of political betrayal. “Such ingratitude,” Musk posted, later adding a poll asking users whether it was time to start a new political party representing the “80% in the middle.”
Unsubstantiated Allegations and the Epstein Controversy
In a further escalation, Musk appeared to suggest—without evidence—that Trump may be implicated in unreleased files relating to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The implication drew a swift and stern response from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the claim as a “deeply unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy the bill didn’t include his wishlist.” She reiterated the administration’s support for the bill, which aims to restructure federal spending while raising revenue through expanded tariffs.
Fallout for Policy and Markets as Rift Deepens
The public spat has cast a shadow over the future of several joint initiatives between the administration and Musk’s companies, including space exploration and broadband expansion through Starlink. Analysts warn that the deteriorating relationship could have real consequences for U.S. innovation and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office has projected the spending bill will increase the national debt by $2.4 trillion over ten years and leave nearly 11 million Americans without government-backed health insurance. The White House contests those figures, insisting that increased revenue from tariffs and future spending cuts will offset the long-term cost.
Hopes of Reconciliation Remain, but Trust is Fractured
Despite the fiery exchange, there were tentative signs that both sides might seek to lower the temperature. Politico reported that Trump aides had scheduled a Friday phone call with Musk to address the rift. Musk, responding to financier Bill Ackman’s call for peace, replied: “You’re not wrong.”
Still, the damage may be done. A relationship once hailed as a disruptive alliance between political power and tech innovation now lies in tatters, undone by ego, economics, and ideological divergence. Whether reconciliation is possible remains uncertain—but the political fallout is already being felt.
