Rivals clashing in public always grabs attention. When two of the world’s most powerful figures, Elon Musk and Donald Trump, lock horns, it shakes up both politics and business. This feud isn’t just about words; it’s about power moves that could impact industries and government policies.
The Musk And Trump Feud took center stage with heated exchanges online and bold threats offline. From snarky tweets to talks of cutting major government contracts, their battle is waged on all fronts.
In this post, we’ll uncover what sparked their clash, key incidents along the way, and how this rivalry could shape America’s future.
Stay tuned for a wild ride through headlines you can’t ignore!
Key Takeaways
- Musk and Trump clashed publicly over politics and business, with key incidents like Musk criticizing Republican spending plans and Trump threatening to cut $3 billion in government contracts for SpaceX.
- Tesla’s stock dropped 14%, losing $150 billion in value, while Trump’s company saw an 8% dip during their feud, worrying investors about the impact on both businesses.
- On social media, Musk tweeted nearly 80 times a day at one point, hinting at forming a new political party. Trump called Musk ‘ungrateful’ for government subsidies on Truth Social.
- The feud created divisions within the Republican Party as some leaders distanced themselves from Trump due to his threats against SpaceX and Tesla funding.
- This rivalry mirrors past political feuds like Thomas Jefferson vs Alexander Hamilton but modernized through tweets and online platforms fueling public debates nationwide.
The Origins of the Musk-Trump Feud
Elon Musk and Donald Trump once shared kind words, even appearing to align on certain goals. But cracks soon formed, setting the stage for a fiery fallout.
Initial Collaboration and Mutual Praise
Musk donated $275 million to Trump’s election campaign in November. Trump, grateful for the support, gave Musk a golden key to the White House. This symbolic gift marked his appreciation and set the stage for collaboration.
Trump appointed Musk as a special government employee for 130 days. Their partnership seemed strong as Musk pledged $100 million to pro-Trump groups before the 2026 midterms. Both praised each other publicly during this time, showing mutual respect and alignment on major goals.
Early Signs of Tension
The friendship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk began to fade as cracks started to show. Musk openly criticized one of Trump’s domestic policy bills, calling it a “disgusting abomination.” This comment did not go unnoticed.
It sparked whispers in political circles about growing differences between them.
Tesla’s stock took a hit during this time, dropping 14% and wiping out $150 billion in market value. Trump accused Musk of opposing the bill because it removed electric vehicle subsidies, stirring more tension.
Around this period, Musk also unfollowed several Trump allies on X (formerly Twitter). The rift became apparent as their public alignment turned into quiet but clear disagreements.
Key Incidents in the Feud
Musk openly bashed Trump’s policies, setting the stage for tension. Trump fired back on social media, fanning the flames.
Musk’s Public Criticism of Trump’s Policies
Elon Musk slammed Donald Trump’s domestic policy bill, calling it a ‘disgusting abomination.’ He pointed out how the Republican spending plan aimed to scrap the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicle buyers.
This move directly targeted Tesla, which relies on these incentives to boost sales of its Model S and other cars.
He also criticized Trump’s use of tariffs. Musk warned they could push the economy toward a recession. His disagreements didn’t stop there. Speaker Mike Johnson’s fiscal policies drew sharp remarks from him as well, signaling his frustration with GOP priorities on economic growth and federal deficits.
Trump’s Reaction on Social Media
Trump fired back online, calling Musk ungrateful for government support. He accused him of opposing the GOP’s tax cuts because they threatened to remove subsidies for Tesla and SpaceX.
On Truth Social, Trump hinted at raising taxes by 68% if his bill failed to pass.
He blasted Biden’s use of autopen signatures while claiming Musk was too reliant on government contracts worth $3 billion across 17 agencies. Trump’s posts painted Musk as more focused on profits than America’s interests, fueling public debates across platforms like X and Truth Social.
Musk’s Agreement with Calls to Impeach Trump
Musk backed the idea of impeaching President Donald Trump during heated political debates. He argued that Trump’s administration failed to manage spending effectively. Musk criticized Republican leaders for keeping large subsidies for oil and gas while ignoring cleaner energy options like electric vehicles.
He even suggested JD Vance, a Republican senator from Ohio, as a potential replacement for Trump. This move angered many of Trump’s supporters and created more tension between them.
These clashes soon widened beyond politics into business threats by both sides, leading directly to public fallout over policies and ties to government contracts.
Trump Threatens to Cut Government Ties with Musk’s Companies
Tensions reached new heights as Trump threatened to end government contracts with Elon Musk’s companies. SpaceX, vital to NASA operations, faced risks despite handling crucial tasks like transporting astronauts and decommissioning the International Space Station by 2030.
These threats were not idle talk. Contracts worth billions could be at stake. While other options like Boeing’s Starliner face delays, losing SpaceX would disrupt U.S. space ambitions.
Tesla also came under fire in discussions about green energy subsidies and tax cuts tied to electric vehicles. This power struggle left businesses and political allies on edge.
Escalation of the Feud
The feud heated up as insults, accusations, and threats flew from both sides, leaving the public hooked on what might happen next.
Social Media Insults and Personal Attacks
Trump took to Truth Social, calling Musk ‘a con man’ and claiming he wouldn’t be rich without government subsidies. Musk fired back on X (formerly Twitter), labeling Trump a ‘distraction’ and hinting at his ties to controversial figures like Jeffrey Epstein.
This heated exchange sparked outrage among their supporters, leading to viral memes and trending hashtags.
On June 5, 2025, Musk ramped up the conflict by tweeting nearly 80 times in one day. He even posted a poll asking users about forming a new political party. House Democrats later pushed for releasing Epstein files following this frenzy online.
Both men used personal jabs as weapons, escalating tensions further instead of cooling them down.
Trump’s Criticism of Musk’s Business Practices
The feud turned sharper as Trump targeted Musk’s business dealings. He accused the billionaire of opposing the GOP spending bill because it threatened to remove key subsidies. This put a spotlight on Musk’s reliance on government funds, including $3 billion in federal contracts tied to SpaceX and Tesla.
Trump hinted at slashing these contracts while pushing for a massive 68% tax hike if the Republican tax plan failed. His remarks painted Musk as ungrateful for past support from his administration.
Tensions grew as advisors prepared for what they believed would be a prolonged clash between two powerful figures with much at stake.
Musk’s Accusations of Ingratitude
Trump’s harsh words about Musk’s companies didn’t sit well. Musk claimed Trump owed his 2016 win to a $275 million contribution from him. He argued that without his help, Trump’s victory might not have been possible.
Musk also pointed out hypocrisy. While he pledged $100 million to pro-Trump groups before the 2026 midterms, he questioned Trump’s attacks on Tesla and SpaceX. These businesses had once aligned with Trump’s push for economic growth through innovation.
To Musk, this criticism felt like biting the hand that fed him.
Major Turning Points
Things heated up the moment Musk made bold comments about Republican spending plans, drawing sharp criticism. Trump didn’t hold back either, throwing threats to yank subsidies and contracts tied to Musk’s ventures.
Musk’s Comments on Republican Spending Bills
Musk called the Republican spending bill wasteful. He slammed Speaker Mike Johnson’s stance on fiscal responsibility, calling it ‘a joke.’ The proposal aimed to cut $7,500 tax credits for Tesla buyers while keeping oil and gas subsidies intact.
Musk argued this showed unfair favoritism toward traditional energy sectors.
He voiced frustration over policies that hurt electric vehicles but supported fossil fuels. Critics saw his opposition as self-serving, while supporters viewed it as a stand for clean tech innovation.
His comments sparked heated debates online and inside political circles.
Trump’s Threat to Revoke Subsidies and Contracts
Trump’s anger grew after Musk’s comments on Republican spending plans. The conflict heated up when Trump threatened to end government contracts with Musk’s companies. These contracts, worth $3 billion, included projects like SpaceX’s work for NASA and defense missions.
He also pushed a spending bill that could cut subsidies for electric vehicles, hurting Tesla directly. Threats of a 68% tax hike loomed if GOP lawmakers didn’t support his preferred tax policies.
This showdown risked major fallout for Elon Musk’s businesses and their ties to federal funding.
Public Fallout Over Policy Disagreements
Elon Musk’s open criticism of government spending angered many, especially Trump supporters. His comments on Republican-backed bills stirred heated debates online. Tensions spiked further after he backed calls to impeach Donald Trump, shocking GOP leaders and stirring frustration among Senate Republicans.
Tesla’s stock plummeted by 14%, wiping out $150 billion from its market value. Trump Media & Technology Group also faced an 8% drop in stock prices during this feud. The fallout spilled into public dialogue, driving both political and financial speculation.
Next comes how the public and politicians reacted to the growing clash.
Public and Political Reactions
The clash sparked strong opinions across party lines, rattling both Democrats and Republicans. Social media turned into a battleground, fueling debates over loyalty and leadership.
Republican Leaders Distancing Themselves
Speaker Mike Johnson mentioned Musk’s pushback against the GOP spending bill. Some Republican leaders are pulling away from Trump as his feud with Musk grows louder. Many worry about how Trump’s threats to cut federal contracts with companies like SpaceX could hurt their political base.
Congressional Republicans struggled to support Trump’s policies while defending fiscal responsibility. Figures like Chip Roy and JD Vance have shown hesitation, pointing out rising challenges in uniting the party on “one big beautiful bill.” This rift signals cracks within the Republican Party over loyalty and strategy moving forward.
Democratic Leaders’ Commentary on the Feud
Some Democrats saw the feud as a way to highlight divisions in the Republican Party. They pointed out Trump’s aggressive actions, like threatening Elon Musk’s government subsidies and contracts.
At the same time, they didn’t fully embrace Musk, due to his unpredictable behavior and controversial comments.
House Democrats also linked the clash to bigger issues. Calls for transparency over Epstein files gained momentum during this period. Some leaders noted that Musk had hinted at funding campaigns against Republicans upset with him.
While some celebrated these moves quietly, others worried about siding with someone so polarizing.
Media Analysis and Coverage of the Conflict
The media spotlighted every twist in the Musk-Trump feud. News outlets dissected Musk’s bold tweets on X and Trump’s fiery posts on Truth Social. Analysts noted Tesla shares dipped 14%, while Trump’s company saw an 8% drop, suggesting tension worried investors.
Reports examined how their clash tied to politics and business. Speculation grew over long-term effects, like government contracts for SpaceX or policy shifts under Trump’s influence.
Coverage also highlighted public reactions, with hashtags trending as memes flooded social platforms.
Social Media’s Role in Amplifying the Feud
Platforms like X and Truth Social turned the Musk-Trump feud into a fiery spectacle, fueling public chatter and endless memes’learn how these digital battlegrounds shaped the conflict.
Musk’s Tweets and Posts on X
Musk fired off nearly 80 tweets on June 5, 2025. He shared everything from business updates to political opinions. One post hinted at Donald Trump’s possible ties to the Jeffrey Epstein files, sparking a reaction online.
In another tweet, Musk asked followers if a new political party should be created. Over 80% voted “yes.” His actions didn’t stop there. Musk quietly unfollowed several of Trump’s allies on X, signaling growing tensions with the former president and his circle.
Trump’s Posts on Truth Social
Trump used Truth Social to target Musk directly. He slammed Musk for opposing the GOP spending bill, calling it bad judgment. In another post, Trump warned of possible tax hikes if the Republican tax plan failed.
His posts often teased threats to cut off government contracts with Musk’s companies like SpaceX and Tesla.
Some of his jabs included claims about Musk being ungrateful despite federal subsidies helping his businesses grow. Trump’s advisors hinted at using these posts as part of a long-term strategy against him.
These messages fueled tension between Trump supporters and those backing Musk.
Memes and Public Reactions
Social media exploded with memes mocking both Musk and Trump. Some joked about Musk’s tweets on X, while others focused on Trump’s fiery posts on Truth Social. A popular meme showed a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft labeled ‘Musk’s Ego’ crashing into a wall marked ‘Trump’s Policies.’ Another featured Tesla electric vehicles racing past a “Make America Great Again” billboard.
Public reactions were sharply divided. Supporters of Musk praised his boldness in standing up to political figures. Others criticized him for siding against Republicans like JD Vance or Speaker Mike Johnson during spending bill debates.
Meanwhile, Trump loyalists slammed Musk for acting ungrateful after years of government subsidies helped build Tesla and SpaceX. The feud sparked heated online arguments, trending hashtags, and millions of likes and shares within days.
Impact on Musk’s Businesses
Musk’s companies face new scrutiny due to the feud. This tension stirs doubts about future government deals and public trust.
Speculation About Government Contracts
Trump hinted at cutting SpaceX’s federal contracts, which total around $3 billion. These include important deals for NASA like transporting cargo and astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).
SpaceX is also set to decommission the ISS by 2030.
Boeing’s Starliner, a potential competitor, has faced delays. This raises questions about how these contracts would be handled if cut. The government depends on reliable spacecraft providers like SpaceX for vital missions.
Removing such funding could disrupt projects tied to national interests and space exploration goals.
Public Perception of Musk’s Companies
Musk’s companies took a hit after his social media comments. Tesla’s stock dropped 14%, wiping out about $150 billion in value. Many investors grew nervous, linking his online actions to the company’s struggles.
Critics said Musk’s criticism of Trump hurt his brand among certain audiences.
Media coverage added fire to the situation. Some news outlets highlighted concerns over government contracts for SpaceX and Tesla subsidies. The feud painted Musk as risky in public eyes, especially with outspoken political views.
This stirred doubts among both consumers and investors alike, shaking trust in his leadership style and decisions.
Investor Concerns Amid the Conflict
Tesla’s stock took a nosedive, dropping 14%. This wiped out about $150 billion in market value. Investors worried government contracts might face risks. Discussions swirled around subsidies and how political tensions may disrupt future deals with Tesla or SpaceX.
Speculation grew louder after Trump’s remarks about cutting ties with Musk’s companies. Many feared long-term impacts on federal support for projects like the Dragon spacecraft or SpaceX missions to the International Space Station.
Such uncertainty left investors jittery, further fueling doubts over Musk’s business stability during this feud.
Impact on Trump’s Political Agenda
Trump’s feud with Musk has shaken his standing among key supporters. This clash might shift voter opinions ahead of the 2024 race.
Republican Party’s Internal Divisions
Congressional Republicans struggled to align on major bills, exposing rifts within the party. Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted Musk’s criticism of a GOP spending bill as an example of outside pressure deepening these divides.
Some Republican leaders distanced themselves from Trump as clashes with Musk escalated. Others worried about backlash from Musk supporters, especially in swing states. These tensions raised concerns ahead of the 2024 presidential campaign, where unity may be key for success.
Criticism from Musk Supporters
Musk’s supporters were quick to voice their frustration. Many felt Trump unfairly targeted Musk’s businesses, like Tesla and SpaceX. Some pointed out the success of Musk’s electric vehicles in reducing emissions, aligning with broader Republican goals of innovation and economic growth.
Others criticized Trump’s threats to cut government subsidies for Musk’s ventures. They argued that these subsidies fueled advancements like the Dragon spacecraft and the International Space Station missions.
A few even accused Trump of hypocrisy, noting his past praise for SpaceX launches in Boca Chica, Texas.
Implications for the 2024 Presidential Campaign
Trump’s feud with Musk may hurt his 2024 campaign. Many Republican leaders are distancing themselves due to the clash. Supporters of Musk, including tech-savvy voters and business enthusiasts, could turn against Trump.
This might create gaps in Trump’s voter base.
Democrats see this fight as a chance to gain ground. They frame Trump’s actions as anti-business or out-of-touch with innovation. Media outlets have also pointed out how this dispute highlights policy disagreements within the Republican Party itself.
All these factors could shake up Trump’s strategy for winning over key voter groups.
Comparisons to Other Political Feuds
This clash mirrors past rivalries, showing how power struggles often shape politics’read on to explore the drama.
Feuds with Other Billionaires
Trump has clashed with other billionaires in the past. Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post and Amazon, was a frequent target. Trump accused Bezos of using his newspaper to attack him politically.
He also criticized Amazon’s tax practices and claimed it hurt smaller businesses.
Another high-profile feud involved Michael Bloomberg. During the 2020 election, Trump mocked Bloomberg’s height and called him ‘Mini Mike.’ Bloomberg fired back by funding anti-Trump campaigns.
These public battles drew media attention, shaping how people viewed Trump’s relationships with wealthy figures like Musk later on.
Historical Political Rivalries
Clashes between influential figures have shaped history. One famous feud was Thomas Jefferson versus Alexander Hamilton in the 1790s. They fought over how America’s government should run’Hamilton wanted a strong federal system, while Jefferson pushed for states’ rights.
Their debates influenced the Constitution and divided early politics.
Another example is Franklin D. Roosevelt’s battles with the Supreme Court during his presidency in the 1930s. Roosevelt wanted to expand government programs to fight poverty and unemployment, but many justices blocked his plans.
He tried adding more judges to sway decisions, angering both parties and setting limits on executive power.
These rivalries didn’t only affect policies; they changed public trust too. People chose sides based on their values or beliefs about leadership styles and vision for progress. Such disputes continue today, as seen with leaders like Donald Trump engaging critics publicly through platforms like Truth Social or speeches that spark debate nationwide!
Expert Opinions on the Feud
Experts weigh in, debating whether this clash will reshape politics, business ties, or just fuel more headlines’read on for their sharp insights.
Analysis from Political Commentators
Political commentators see the Musk-Trump feud as a clash of influence and egos. Some argue it highlights deeper splits within the Republican Party, especially over spending bills like “one big beautiful bill.” Trump’s criticisms of electric vehicles and government subsidies have drawn attention to growing tensions between tech giants and traditional conservatives.
Others note Musk’s alignment with policy critics may impact Trump’s 2024 campaign. Commentary often points to how such public spats can weaken party unity, affecting midterm elections or fiscal debates in Congress.
Media analysis hints this battle could shape future relationships between billionaires and political figures.
Views from Business Analysts
Business analysts see risks for Musk’s companies. Tesla shares dropped 14%, raising investor fears. Concerns grow over potential cuts to government contracts, especially SpaceX’s work with the International Space Station and Dragon spacecraft.
Trump’s feud may hit federal subsidies for electric vehicles too. Analysts predict long-term damage if tensions grow. Both businesses and investors face rocky roads ahead as this clash unfolds publicly across platforms like X and Truth Social.
Predictions for the Future of Their Relationship
Tensions might not ease soon. Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign could fuel more public clashes. His criticism of Musk’s business practices, like Tesla’s reliance on government subsidies, may intensify.
Musk has shown no hesitation to fire back through social media platforms like X.
Legal and financial stakes loom large for both sides. Trump could push Senate Republicans to revisit spending bills tied to electric vehicles or space exploration programs like SpaceX Starship missions.
Meanwhile, investors worry about unstable ties between Musk’s companies and government contracts, potentially affecting billion-dollar projects such as the International Space Station operations funded by NASA agreements.
Possible Outcomes of the Feud
The clash could either simmer down or spiral further, leaving lasting marks on politics and business. This public rivalry might also spark legal disputes, economic disruptions, or surprising alliances.
Reconciliation or Continued Conflict
Musk and Trump show no signs of making peace. Musk’s support for impeaching Trump angered many in the Republican Party. Trump also threatened to cut government contracts with Tesla and SpaceX, deepening their rift.
Experts predict their conflict may escalate further. Musk’s criticism of Republican spending bills could impact political alliances. If conflicts over subsidies grow, this feud might harm both parties’ goals in business and politics long-term.
Potential Legal and Financial Ramifications
Legal trouble could hit both parties. Trump’s threats to cut government ties with Elon Musk’s companies may lead to lawsuits over contracts and subsidies. If federal deals get revoked, Tesla and SpaceX could lose millions in revenue.
This would also impact programs like the Dragon spacecraft missions tied to NASA.
Investors are already nervous about this feud. Tesla shares might drop if government support fades or public trust falls. The media has speculated on how these clashes pressure Musk’s ventures financially.
Stock market ripples from such conflicts can cost billions, leaving both leaders tangled in economic fallout.
Broader Implications for Politics and Business
The Musk-Trump feud shakes both politics and business. It spotlights how clashes between billionaires and politicians can ripple across industries. Investors worry about Tesla shares, especially if government subsidies or contracts get revoked.
The federal deficit debate heats up, with figures like Trump linking Elon Musk’s companies to spending bills like ‘one big beautiful bill.’ These arguments influence public trust in leaders’ fiscal responsibility.
Republican Party divisions also deepen, pulling attention from border security and trade policies. For Democrats, this fight offers a chance to critique both men while pushing electric vehicles as part of their green agenda.
Media buzz around the conflict keeps topics like space shuttle programs, Truth Social posts, and tax cuts front-page news for months. Public reactions set the stage for further scrutiny under future Republican leadership debates or even Biden White House priorities shifting focus back on economic growth discussion.
Conclusion
Musk and Trump’s feud is more than a clash of egos. It highlights tensions between business power and political ambition. Their public fight has rippled through media, politics, and industry.
Whether they reconcile or keep battling, their conflict shapes the conversation on leadership and influence. All eyes remain glued to what happens next.
FAQs
1. What started the feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump?
The public clash began on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter) and Truth Social. Criticism of Elon Musk’s government subsidies, Tesla shares, and political stances fueled tensions with Trump.
2. Did government contracts play a role in their dispute?
Yes, Musk’s companies like SpaceX have benefited from federal contracts for projects such as the Dragon spacecraft and International Space Station missions. This has drawn attention from critics, including Trump allies.
3. How does this feud tie into politics?
Both figures have strong ties to politics. Trump focuses on issues like border security and fiscal responsibility through Senate Republicans and his party leadership. Musk often comments on trade policies, electric vehicles, and free speech under the First Amendment.
4. Has this conflict involved other politicians or officials?
Yes, names like Speaker Mike Johnson, James Comer from the House Oversight Committee, Sen. Ron Johnson, Pam Bondi, JD Vance (Vice President), and even Steve Bannon are part of related discussions around spending bills or economic growth tied to both men.
5. Are there any connections to controversial topics like Jeffrey Epstein or lawsuits?
Jeffrey Epstein’s name has surfaced due to ongoing investigations involving high-profile individuals connected indirectly with either party’s circle; however, no direct link between them exists in this context.
6. Why do people care about this feud so much?
This is more than a personality clash; it intertwines tech innovation with political power struggles over tax cuts, trade policies affecting industries like electric vehicles or aerospace programs funded by taxpayers’ money under scrutiny for efficiency reforms advocated via Oval Office-led initiatives
