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A heated dispute between former allies Donald Trump and Elon Musk has erupted into the open, causing a storm of public commentary and social media exchanges. What started as a clash over political views has now evolved into a bitter war of words, with each billionaire trading insults and accusations. This unexpected feud has escalated, showing how fragile political and business relationships can be, even when they seem strong.
How the Feud Began
The rift between Donald Trump and Elon Musk started when the tech mogul publicly criticized one of Trump’s major domestic initiatives: the tax and spending bill that Trump pushed forward in the past few months. The bill, which Musk called a “disgusting abomination,” aimed to overhaul government spending, but Musk objected to certain provisions, particularly cuts to electric vehicle (EV) subsidies. The dispute began with Musk lashing out on X (formerly Twitter), where he condemned the bill, claiming it irresponsibly added to the US national debt. He also urged his followers to contact their representatives and voice their opposition to the plan. The bill, which had passed the US House and was awaiting Senate approval, included spending for a wide range of projects, but Musk was particularly critical of what he called the “mountain of disgusting pork”—government spending that he deemed wasteful.
Trump’s Response: Disappointment and Accusations
In response to Musk’s criticism, Trump expressed his disappointment during a press conference on Thursday, saying that he had expected better from Musk, someone who understood the inner workings of the bill. Trump suggested that Musk’s frustration may stem from the removal of certain EV subsidies, which could affect Tesla, Musk’s flagship company. Trump’s remarks suggested a mix of hurt feelings and political strategy, stating that Musk might be upset about the potential financial hit to his business. Trump’s frustration grew as he claimed that without Musk’s involvement and financial backing, he would have lost the election. This fueled the fire, with Musk accusing Trump of ingratitude, claiming that his support helped secure Trump’s victory in the 2020 elections. Musk, in a public tweet, said, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House, and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate.” His message was clear—he believed his role in Trump’s success should have earned him greater respect.
The Escalation of Insults
As the day went on, the insults between the two continued to mount. Musk, not one to shy away from controversy, reposted a tweet calling for Trump to resign, arguing that Trump’s tariff policies could lead the US economy into a recession. Musk also insinuated that Trump may be implicated in the Jeffrey Epstein case, a deeply controversial and unsubstantiated claim that drew further attention to the feud. Trump’s response was just as fiery, accusing Musk of going “crazy” and even threatening to cut government subsidies for his companies, Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink, which benefit from various forms of taxpayer-funded support. However, amid the growing tensions, both sides seemed to recognize the need for a resolution. Trump downplayed the situation, telling reporters that everything was “going very well” despite the heated exchanges. Musk also appeared to soften his stance later in the day, responding positively to a suggestion from Bill Ackman, a prominent Trump supporter, that the two should make peace.
The Business Impact: Tesla Stock Drops
The fallout from this public spat was not limited to social media. Tesla’s stock took a major hit, dropping by 14% in a matter of hours after the feud made headlines. Investors appeared nervous about the potential implications of the rift on Musk’s businesses, particularly considering his involvement in political matters and his reliance on government contracts. The billion-dollar question now remains: Can the tension between Trump and Musk be repaired, or will it lead to deeper divisions that affect both men’s business interests?
The Politics Behind the Row
At the core of the dispute is Musk’s opposition to Trump’s proposed bill. The legislation, which is designed to dramatically overhaul government spending, is highly controversial. Critics like Musk argue that it will burden the national debt, a point echoed by nonpartisan analysts who claim that the bill will add $2.4 trillion to the debt over the next decade. Proponents, however, argue that the bill will help stimulate economic growth by increasing tariffs and taxes on foreign goods, especially from China. Musk’s stance against the bill appears to be rooted in a mix of political and business interests. He has been an outspoken critic of government spending and subsidies for certain industries, including the oil and gas sectors. Yet, his comments about EV subsidies and the future of his companies indicate a more personal stake in the matter, one that mixes political lobbying with business strategy.
The Potential Path Forward
Despite the insults and accusations, there are signs that the feud may not last forever. Trump’s aides have reportedly scheduled a phone call with Musk to discuss the situation, and Musk himself has expressed a willingness to patch things up. As one of the world’s most influential businessmen, Musk’s opinion holds weight in both political and corporate circles, and the ongoing public feud will likely have a lasting impact on the 2024 election and beyond. However, the question remains: Can Trump and Musk overcome their differences and rebuild their relationship, or will this public fallout mark the end of their alliance? Only time will tell.
Conclusion: A Bitter But Fascinating Feud
The public spat between Donald Trump and Elon Musk highlights just how volatile relationships can be in the high-stakes world of politics and business. Once close allies, the two billionaires have traded barbs over everything from national policy to personal grievances. This feud, played out in real-time on social media, serves as a reminder that loyalty in politics and business can be fragile, easily fractured by differing interests and personalities. For now, the future of their relationship remains uncertain. While the door to reconciliation appears open, the damage has been done. The world will be watching closely to see whether Trump and Musk can find a way to move past their differences or if their clash will become a defining moment in their respective careers.
Author Profile
- Li Li, associate professor and master’s supervisor at Southwest University. B.A. in English for Education from Southwest Normal University, M.A. in English Translation and Interpretation from China Foreign Affairs University, Ph. D. in Japanese Cultural History from Nankai University (all above are in China). Also has studied at Osaka Sangyo University and Kokugakuin University in Japan and been a Fulbright visiting scholar to Western Kentucky University in US. A multidisciplinary and versatile instructor with a trilingual mastery of Chinese, English and Japanese, known for Combining foreign language teaching with history and humanity cultivation. Academic researches center on Japanese history, international relations and Western culture studies. Work experiences include teaching at Capital Normal University, Chongqing Normal University, and Southwest University. Has published multiple academic papers, translated works, authored or co-edited several textbooks and monographs; provided language services for several high-level and high-profile international events.
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1 comment
I’ve never thought about it that way before. Thanks for opening my eyes!