Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump are experiencing a significant fallout in their once-close relationship. Their public disagreements escalated recently, leading to personal attacks on social media platforms. This rift comes after a long alliance that saw Musk become a prominent supporter of Trump during his campaign and presidency.
The tensions boiled over when Trump threatened to cut off federal contracts and subsidies worth billions to Musk’s companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. In response, Musk made unfounded claims suggesting that Trump is mentioned in government documents related to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. The White House has chosen not to comment on Musk’s allegations.
The conflict marks a stark contrast to their previous camaraderie. Musk had become one of Trump’s most vocal backers, contributing nearly $300 million to support his political endeavors in 2024. He was often seen alongside Trump in various settings, including Cabinet meetings and public events. In February 2024, Musk even expressed his admiration for Trump, stating he loved him "as much as a straight man can love another man."
Their relationship has seen ups and downs. Musk, who previously supported Democratic candidates, shifted his allegiance to Trump in 2024. He endorsed Trump after an assassination attempt on the former president and later formed a super PAC to promote Trump’s agenda. Musk’s active role included appearing at rallies and even proposing a "Department of Government Efficiency" to streamline federal operations.
However, as the political landscape shifted, Musk began to voice concerns over Trump’s recent policies. He criticized the "Big Beautiful Bill," arguing it would undo the cost-cutting measures implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency, which Musk had helped lead.
The culmination of their disagreements occurred on June 5, 2025, when Trump took to Truth Social to express his dissatisfaction with Musk. He accused Musk of overstepping his bounds and claimed that Musk’s influence was waning. Musk retaliated on X, asserting that he was instrumental in Trump’s electoral success and calling for Trump’s impeachment.
This public feud highlights the fragility of political alliances, especially in the ever-changing world of American politics. What began as a strong partnership between a billionaire entrepreneur and a former president now appears to be unraveling, with both sides exchanging sharp words and accusations.