Trump and Musk Split, Washington is Holding its Breath/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The once-powerful political partnership between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has imploded in a fiery public clash. Their breakup threatens both policy agendas and reshapes conservative tech politics. Personal insults, legislative battles, and public threats mark the fallout.
Trump and Musk Breakup Quick Looks
- Former allies Donald Trump and Elon Musk publicly sever ties in escalating online feud.
- Musk criticizes Trump’s budget bill, calls it a “disgusting abomination.”
- Trump accuses Musk of disloyalty, hints at ending government subsidies for his companies.
- Their fallout jeopardizes tech policy, budget legislation, and 2026 GOP cohesion.
- Musk suggests Trump be impeached and drags in Epstein conspiracy theories.
- Former adviser Steve Bannon proposes federal seizure of SpaceX as revenge.
- The feud ignites divisions across the Republican Party and conservative tech circles.
- White House now distances itself from Musk amid bipartisan fallout.
Deep Look: Trump and Musk Split, Washington is Holding its Breath
WASHINGTON — It was an alliance that electrified conservative politics and captivated both Silicon Valley and Washington. But after months of mutual praise and shared political goals, the powerful partnership between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk has collapsed — and it happened in spectacularly public fashion.
What began as a close collaboration to overhaul government, implement sweeping tech-friendly policies, and restructure federal spending devolved into an online war of words this week. Their feud — played out across social platforms like X and Truth Social — is shaking up the political landscape and raising questions about the future of Musk’s business empire and Trump’s legislative ambitions.
Sparks Fly Over Spending Bill
The feud erupted after Musk denounced Trump’s cornerstone budget legislation, calling it a “disgusting abomination” packed with “pork” and excessive federal spending. Though initially restrained, Trump eventually voiced his “disappointment” in Musk — a sentiment that unleashed a firestorm from the billionaire.
Musk accused Trump of breaking promises on federal cuts and threatened to withdraw support for GOP candidates backing the bill. He even endorsed calls for Trump’s impeachment, shaking conservative ranks already on edge over the president’s erratic policymaking.
Social Media Slugfest
In a bitter back-and-forth:
Trump responded: “Elon was wearing thin… I took away his EV mandate… he went CRAZY!”
Musk escalated by referencing Trump’s alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein, tweeting: “Trump is in the Epstein files.”
While the claims lack evidence, they marked a turning point in the feud, drawing harsh reactions across party lines.
High-Stakes Fallout
The public unraveling has implications that stretch far beyond social media drama. Among the consequences:
- Tesla and SpaceX, both major recipients of federal contracts, could face policy and funding reviews.
- Trump allies have floated canceling Musk’s subsidies and investigating his immigration history.
- Legislation like Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”, which faces Senate hurdles, risks losing support amid the chaos.
- GOP unity ahead of the 2026 midterms is under threat, with factions forming around Trump and Musk.
A Partnership Built on Chaos
Despite their different backgrounds, Trump and Musk had forged a strong alliance: one a 78-year-old real estate mogul and ex-reality star, the other a 53-year-old tech billionaire with a penchant for libertarianism and disruption.
Their bond grew post-2024 election. Musk backed Trump after a failed assassination attempt and joined the administration to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), leading federal cuts and tech reforms.
They were inseparable — until Trump’s tariff-heavy trade policies and deficit-spiking legislation began clashing with Musk’s business interests.
Cracks in the Ice
As early as April, Musk was criticizing key Trump aides like Peter Navarro, calling him “dumber than a sack of bricks.” Meanwhile, insiders say Musk was growing disillusioned with the slow pace of federal reform.
Though he pledged to stay on, Trump began signaling privately that it was time for Musk to step away. The breaking point came after Musk condemned Trump’s budget bill, saying:
“I think a bill can be big or beautiful — not both.”
Final Blow and Fallout
Trump tried to save face, giving Musk a ceremonial send-off and declaring he would always be welcome. But Musk had already flipped.
As the budget bill neared a Senate vote, Musk accused Trump of economic sabotage, warned of a coming recession, and declared:
“This bill is a betrayal.”
In retaliation, Trump threatened to cancel federal deals with Musk companies and encouraged investigations into SpaceX and Musk’s personal behavior.
Steve Bannon stoked the fire, saying the U.S. should “seize SpaceX” and probe Musk’s drug use and immigration record.
“A little pressure might do Elon some good,” Bannon said on his podcast.
GOP Torn Apart
The feud has already rippled through conservative circles:
- Trump loyalists are calling Musk “ungrateful” and “a traitor.”
- Libertarians and tech conservatives are siding with Musk, arguing Trump is betraying limited government ideals.
- Influencers like Laura Loomer urged calm — online, of course: “This fight should be taken offline.”
What Happens Next?
Whether the two titans reconcile or escalate remains unclear. The longer their feud festers, the greater the impact on:
- Federal spending policy
- Space exploration contracts
- Electric vehicle incentives
- The Republican platform ahead of 2026
As the political world watches nervously, one thing is clear: the Trump-Musk era — chaotic, powerful, and ultimately combustible — has reached a supernova finish.
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