President Trump and Elon Musk, once seen as allies, are now in a public feud that has captured attention. Just a week ago, they were together in the Oval Office, but things have taken a sharp turn. The conflict centers around a major Republican spending bill, referred to as the "Big Beautiful Bill," which Musk has criticized heavily.
The bill is projected to add $2.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Musk has called it a "disgusting abomination," mainly due to its high cost. Trump responded to Musk’s criticism by suggesting that the billionaire is upset because the bill would cut tax incentives for electric vehicles, which directly affects Tesla, the company Musk leads.
In a press conference, Trump remarked that Musk only developed a problem with the bill when he learned about the cuts to electric vehicle mandates, which he claimed would save billions. He also suggested that Musk misses the influence he had while advising the government.
Musk didn’t take Trump’s comments lightly. He quickly took to social media to clarify his stance, stating that his opposition to the bill was based on its cost, not the EV tax credits. The situation escalated further when Trump threatened to end government contracts with Musk’s companies, claiming it would save even more taxpayer money. Musk retaliated by alleging that Trump is linked to the unsealed records of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a claim he made without providing evidence.
The fallout from this public spat has already had financial implications. Tesla’s stock prices dropped significantly following the exchanges. Additionally, Musk’s influence among Republicans could impact the bill’s chances of passing, as he has previously contributed over $250 million to the 2024 election efforts.
In a separate but related development, Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping about trade tariffs. They discussed ongoing negotiations for a long-term trade deal, though details about future meetings were not disclosed.
This unfolding drama between Trump and Musk highlights the shifting dynamics in their relationship and the potential consequences for legislation and business alike. As they continue to trade barbs, observers are left wondering how this will affect both their futures and the political landscape.