In a surprising turn of events, the relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has soured dramatically over just ten days. Once viewed as a powerful duo, their partnership has devolved into public disagreements and personal attacks, leaving many to wonder about the future of their association.
It all began on May 28, when Musk, speaking to CBS News, expressed disappointment with Trump’s proposed tax and spending bill. Musk criticized the legislation, saying it fell short of expectations. Trump, while acknowledging some flaws in the bill, chose not to directly address Musk’s comments.
The following day, Musk announced he would be stepping down from his role in the Trump administration, where he had been involved in a cost-cutting initiative called the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. This marked a significant shift in their collaboration.
On May 30, during a press conference on Musk’s last day at the White House, Trump praised him, claiming he would still be involved with the administration. However, tensions were clearly brewing beneath the surface.
By June 2, Trump took to Truth Social to defend his economic bill, claiming it was being misrepresented. Just a day later, Musk escalated the conflict by labeling Trump’s bill as “massive, outrageous, pork-filled,” and a “disgusting abomination.” This marked a turning point, as Musk’s criticisms grew sharper and more public.
The situation intensified on June 4, when Musk called for a new spending bill that wouldn’t increase the national deficit. He urged his followers to contact their representatives to oppose Trump’s legislation. This direct call to action signaled a clear break from their previous camaraderie.
As the week progressed, Musk began to quote Trump’s past criticisms of government spending, questioning the president’s current stance. Trump responded during a press conference, stating he was disappointed in Musk and suggested that the billionaire was upset about proposed cuts to electric vehicle subsidies that would impact Tesla and SpaceX.
Musk wasted no time in refuting Trump’s claims, asserting that he had never seen the bill in question and that it was rushed through Congress without proper scrutiny. The back-and-forth continued, with Musk alleging that Trump was linked to the controversial Epstein files, a claim that added a sensational layer to their feud.
By June 6, Trump labeled Musk as “the man who has lost his mind” in an ABC News interview, indicating that he was no longer interested in speaking with him. Reports emerged that Trump was even considering selling his Tesla, a vehicle he had purchased to support Musk’s company.
This rapid unraveling of their relationship has left observers stunned. What began as a seemingly perfect partnership has turned into a public spectacle filled with accusations and denials. As both figures continue to take shots at each other, the question remains: can their relationship be salvaged, or is this the end of an era for the two influential figures?