As of June 5, 2025, a significant public feud has erupted between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, marking a dramatic breakdown in their previously close relationship. The conflict centers around a contentious tax and spending bill, dubbed the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” which Musk vehemently opposes. He criticizes the bill for eliminating electric vehicle (EV) subsidies impacting Tesla while retaining oil and gas incentives, calling it a “disgusting abomination” that would add trillions to the national debt.
In response, President Trump expressed his disappointment, stating,
“Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore.”
He accused Musk of being aware of the bill’s contents and only opposing it after the EV mandate was cut. Trump further threatened to terminate Musk’s federal contracts and subsidies as a budget-saving measure.
Musk countered by denying prior knowledge of the bill and accused Trump of lying. He escalated the feud by suggesting Trump appears in the unreleased Jeffrey Epstein files, insinuating a cover-up . Musk also claimed that without his support, Trump would have lost the 2024 election, highlighting his significant financial contributions to Trump’s campaign.
The fallout has had tangible effects: Tesla’s stock dropped 9% amid the escalating dispute . Additionally, Musk has floated the idea of forming a new political party to represent centrist voters, further straining his ties with the Republican establishment.
This public clash underscores the volatility of political alliances and the potential ramifications when personal and policy disagreements intersect at the highest levels of power.
