An Unraveling Relationship: Trump and Musk’s Public Feud Intensifies
Once allies in political ambition, Elon Musk and President Donald Trump are now engaged in a very public dispute. The past support Musk showed for Trump’s presidency has turned into a series of personal attacks exchanged on social media platforms.
The clash ignited over disagreements regarding a Republican mega-bill that advances Trump’s domestic policy priorities. Trump threatened to withdraw billions of federal subsidies and contracts from Musk’s companies, such as Tesla and SpaceX. In response, Musk made unsubstantiated claims linking Trump to documents about Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting, “That is the real reason they have not been made public.”
The White House has refrained from commenting on Musk’s allegations.
The fallout marks a significant shift in a relationship that endured longer than many had predicted. Musk, who previously supported Democratic candidates, became a major Republican donor in 2024, contributing nearly $300 million to Trump’s campaign. He quickly became a prominent figure in Trump’s circle, appearing frequently in the Oval Office and even leading the Department of Government Efficiency.
In February 2025, Musk expressed admiration for Trump, stating: “I love @realDonaldTrump as much as a straight man can love another man.”
Timeline of the Trump-Musk Relationship
Pre-2024: Musk supported Democratic candidates and was critical of Trump, resigning from advisory councils after Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord.
July 2024: Musk endorsed Trump following an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. He also funded a super PAC to promote Trump’s principles.
August 2024: Musk hosted an interview with Trump on X, discussing campaign topics and proposing a “government efficiency commission.”
October 2024: Musk joined Trump on the campaign trail, wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat and actively participating in rallies.
November 2024: Musk celebrated Trump’s election victory at Mar-a-Lago, posting an AI-generated image of himself saluting the American flag.
Late 2024: Trump announced Musk would co-lead the “Department of Government Efficiency” alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, targeting federal spending and workforce reductions.
January 2025: Musk attended Trump’s inauguration, drawing controversy for a salute associated with Nazis.
February 2025: Musk and Trump appeared together in the Oval Office to defend DOGE’s work, addressing potential conflicts of interest with Musk’s companies.
March 2025: Trump and Musk turned the White House lawn into a temporary Tesla showroom, with Trump showing support for Musk amid global backlash.
May 2025: Musk announced his departure from government, and Trump praised him as a remarkable business leader.
Following his departure, Musk criticized the “Big Beautiful Bill,” claiming it would increase the federal budget deficit and reverse DOGE’s efforts. The tension escalated on June 5, 2025, as Trump accused Musk of “wearing thin” and Musk retaliated by suggesting Trump’s impeachment.
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