2025-06-05T21:05:49Z

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The rift between billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and former U.S. President Donald Trump has widened significantly, morphing into a substantial divide that has captured public attention. This tension came to a head on Thursday when the two exchanged pointed remarks both in a press conference and across social media platforms, underlining the deteriorating nature of their previously amicable relationship.

The political fallout began just two days after Musk described Trump's latest tax legislation as a “disgusting abomination.” In a surprising turn of events, Trump expressed his disappointment towards Musk during an Oval Office meeting with reporters, suggesting that he was taken aback by Musk's continued criticism of what Trump has deemed his centerpiece budget bill. “Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” Trump remarked, signaling a potential end to their cordial ties.

While Trump acknowledged that Musk has not personally insulted him thus far, he insinuated that such comments were likely forthcoming. “But I’m very disappointed in Elon. I’ve helped Elon a lot,” he added, remarking on the tendency of former administration officials to become embittered after leaving his administration. He went on to mention that many who exit his team “miss it so badly” and often turn hostile, coining this as a form of “Trump derangement syndrome.”

In a humorous jab during the same session, Trump commented on Musk's appearance, specifically a black eye that the Tesla CEO had reportedly sustained during his final day in office. “I said, ‘Do you want a little makeup? We’ll get you a little makeup,’” Trump said, showcasing his characteristic irreverent style.

Musk, unperturbed by Trump’s comments, responded on his social media platform X, stating, “Whatever.” He continued his critique of the new budget bill, arguing for the removal of what he called “disgusting pork” while highlighting perceived inequalities in the proposed tax cuts that seemed to favor oil and gas sectors over electric vehicle incentives.

Taking the feud further, Musk asserted, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” referring to the substantial financial backing he provided to Trump's campaign. Musk's comments suggest that he feels unappreciated for his contributions, claiming that his support was instrumental in securing Trump’s victory and preventing Democrats from gaining further control in Congress.

In retaliation, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to counter Musk’s remarks. He accused Musk of overstaying his welcome in his governmental role and claimed, “Elon was ‘wearing thin,’ I asked him to leave.” Trump also threatened to cut off Musk’s government contracts, claiming they were a drain on the budget.

Responding to these threats, Musk declared that SpaceX would begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft, which are vital for transporting supplies and crew to the International Space Station, a move that could significantly impact future space missions.

This public spat comes on the heels of Musk’s critical comments regarding Trump’s spending bill, which he argues will exacerbate the federal deficit rather than curtail it. Critics, including Musk, have branded the bill a “massive spending bill,” questioning the promise of it being both big and beautiful.

The controversy surrounding Trump's tax legislation has drawn significant attention, particularly following the release of a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis projecting that the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” could result in a $2.4 trillion increase in deficits over the next decade, despite offering tax cuts totaling $3.75 trillion. Additionally, the CBO estimated that the bill could lead to 10.9 million more individuals being uninsured by 2034.

As the fallout continues, Republican lawmakers have found themselves scrambling to defend their positions. House Speaker Mike Johnson publicly expressed frustration over Musk's comments and claimed that he had reached out to Musk for clarification, to which Musk did not respond. The bill, which encompasses extensive measures including tax cuts, immigration enforcement, and changes to clean energy credits, still awaits Senate approval before becoming law.

In summary, the escalating conflict between Trump and Musk highlights not only personal grievances but also broader implications for American fiscal policies and the future of significant government contracts. As both parties continue to trade barbs, many are left questioning the potential consequences of this high-profile feud.