Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Jun 6: The once-close alliance between US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk has spiraled into a public and politically charged feud, with Trump now threatening to terminate government contracts and subsidies awarded to Musk’s companies.
In a fiery post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump declared, "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts." This sharp remark came in response to Musk’s recent criticism of the President’s flagship tax and spending proposal, dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act."
The spat intensified after Musk accused Trump of ingratitude, highlighting that he contributed over $250 million to support Trump's 2024 election campaign. The Tesla CEO went on to suggest that Trump would not have won the election without his support.
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump claimed that he had personally asked Musk to leave the White House following disagreements over electric vehicle mandates and budgetary priorities. “Elon was ‘wearing thin.’ I asked him to leave,” Trump said, adding that Musk “just went CRAZY” after the removal of the EV tax incentive.
The President further alleged that Musk opposed his bill only because it cut incentives for electric vehicles—claims Musk promptly dismissed as “false” on social media, stating that the bill was rushed through without his knowledge and calling it a “disgusting abomination filled with pork.”
The tensions between the two powerhouses mark a dramatic shift from their once-budding camaraderie. Musk, who had become one of Trump’s most trusted advisors, was seen at high-profile events, traveled with the President, and even participated in Cabinet-level meetings. Their bond was once viewed as symbolic of the fusion between Silicon Valley and Washington under the Trump administration.
Trump now expresses disappointment, suggesting that Musk’s departure from the inner circle left a void. “He got out there, and all of a sudden he wasn’t in this beautiful Oval Office,” the President remarked during a press briefing with Germany’s leader.
Meanwhile, the rift has raised questions about Musk’s future political affiliations and his influence within the Republican Party. His once-generous donations and high-profile endorsements now hang in the balance as his fallout with Trump becomes more pronounced.
The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that Trump’s sweeping "Big Beautiful Bill" could inflate the deficit by $2.4 trillion over the next decade and potentially leave over 10 million Americans without health coverage—points that Musk has echoed in his online criticisms.
As the feud continues to dominate headlines, the once strategic partnership between the President and the world’s richest man appears to have fractured beyond repair, leaving behind a political drama that blends policy, power, and personal grievances on a very public stage.