TRUMP–MUSK ALLIANCE IMPLODES IN PUBLIC FEUD OVER 'BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL'
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE INCITER June 5, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE INCITER
June 5, 2025
THE INCITER: TRUMP–MUSK ALLIANCE IMPLODES IN PUBLIC FEUD OVER “BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL”
Washington, D.C. — What began as a high-powered partnership between President Donald Trump and tech titan Elon Musk has spectacularly unraveled into a war of words, public jabs, and political fallout. The rupture, simmering behind the scenes for weeks, exploded into full view Thursday as Trump and Musk traded barbs over the administration’s sweeping domestic policy legislation12345678.
From Power Duo to Public Enemies
Once hailed as a formidable alliance—Musk, the billionaire innovator, and Trump, the populist president—the relationship soured after Musk launched a barrage of criticism against Trump’s signature “Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Musk denounced the bill as a “disgusting abomination,” warning it would balloon the deficit and reverse his efforts to shrink government waste12378.
During a tense Oval Office meeting with Germany’s Chancellor, Trump fired back, expressing “deep disappointment” in Musk and questioning his motives. “I’ve helped Elon a lot,” Trump said, suggesting Musk’s opposition was rooted in the bill’s removal of electric vehicle incentives—an apparent blow to Tesla’s bottom line1345678.
Insults, Accusations, and Social Media Salvos
The feud quickly escalated from policy disagreement to personal insults. Trump mocked Musk’s “ingratitude” and even threatened to cut lucrative government contracts for Musk’s companies, calling the billionaire “CRAZY” and accusing him of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome”1456.
Musk, who had previously focused his criticism on congressional Republicans, pivoted to direct attacks on Trump, using his platform X to ridicule the president’s leadership and legislative acumen. “Such ingratitude,” Musk posted, while also denying Trump’s claims that he was deeply involved in crafting the bill1278.
Behind the Rift: Power, Policy, and Personal Grievances
Sources close to both camps say the split was fueled by more than just policy. Musk had privately objected to Trump’s decision to reject his pick for NASA administrator and voiced concerns over new global tariffs and the administration’s Middle East AI campus initiative6. Trump, for his part, accused Musk of only turning on him after losing out on billions in EV subsidies and government influence1356.
The Fallout
Tesla shares tumbled nearly 6% following the public spat, and the future of Musk’s federal contracts is now in question34. Trump, meanwhile, faces mounting criticism from both allies and adversaries over the size and scope of his domestic agenda.
Conclusion
The Trump–Musk breakup marks the end of a political and business partnership that once promised to reshape Washington. As both men retreat to their respective platforms—Trump to Truth Social, Musk to X—their feud has become a defining spectacle of the 2025 political season, with consequences for policy, markets, and the future of Republican unity.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/05/elon-musk-donald-trump-fight-00389480
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/05/trump-musk-crazy-government-contracts.html
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/05/politics/trump-musk-fight-anger-oval-office
https://www.npr.org/2025/06/05/nx-s1-5424502/trump-elon-musk
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/05/trump-presidency-news/