Trump, Musk Fallout Turns Personal & Political, In Their Own Words/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ What began as a high-profile political alliance between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk collapsed in spectacular fashion this week. Musk denounced Trump’s budget bill and called for his impeachment, while Trump slammed Musk’s business interests and revoked EV mandates. Their breakup played out entirely in their own words.
Trump Musk Alliance Implosion Quick Looks
- Trump praised Musk just days before their political split.
- Musk began by blasting Trump’s GOP-backed budget bill as “disgusting.”
- Trump responded by threatening to cancel Musk’s federal contracts.
- Musk escalated with accusations linking Trump to Epstein.
- Trump revoked electric vehicle mandates, calling them “Elon’s subsidy.”
- Musk openly endorsed Trump’s impeachment in a reply on X.
- The public feud unfolded entirely through their social media platforms.
- Once allies, Trump and Musk now appear to be fierce opponents.
Trump, Musk Fallout Turns Personal & Political, In Their Own Words
Deep Look
The Implosion of a Political Power Duo: Trump and Musk Break Ties in Their Own Words
WASHINGTON — A once-promising political alliance between President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk came to a dramatic and bitter end this week, unraveling publicly in the span of just a few days. From lavish praise in the Oval Office to explosive accusations on social media, the Trump-Musk fallout now reads like a cautionary tale about the volatility of modern political alliances.
The Goodbye: Mutual Admiration in the Oval Office
Just one week ago, President Trump lavished Elon Musk with praise as he prepared to step away from his role advising the White House.
“Today it’s about a man named Elon… one of the greatest business leaders and innovators,” Trump said on May 30. He credited Musk with helping lead “the most sweeping and consequential government reform program in generations.”
Musk responded graciously, complimenting the Oval Office’s decor and promising to remain a friend and adviser to the president. “The Oval Office finally has the majesty that it deserves thanks to the president,” Musk said.
But behind the scenes, tensions were already rising.
The Budget Bill Blowup: Musk Turns on Trump
The alliance began to fracture when Musk publicly blasted Trump’s hallmark legislative proposal—his massive, GOP-supported budget bill.
“This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination,” Musk wrote Tuesday on X. Though he did not name Trump directly, the target was clear. Musk implored voters to oust lawmakers supporting the bill: “In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people.”
At first, Trump held back. His spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, downplayed the criticism. But by Wednesday, Musk was ramping up, reposting memes and past Trump statements opposing deficit spending.
The Breakup: From Tension to Total Collapse
By Thursday, the gloves were off.
“Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” Trump said during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Trump said Musk had “worn out his welcome” at the White House and accused the billionaire of being upset about policy changes that would hurt Tesla. He claimed Musk went “crazy” after Trump eliminated an electric vehicle mandate. “The easiest way to save money in our Budget… is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” Trump added.
Musk responded with cold dismissal: “Whatever.”
Then came the nuclear moment.
Musk Drops the Bomb: Epstein Allegation and Impeachment
In a stunning escalation, Musk accused Trump of being linked to Jeffrey Epstein—the disgraced financier whose death in jail has fueled endless conspiracy theories. Musk posted on X:
“Time to drop the really big bomb: Trump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!”
Though no evidence has tied Trump to Epstein’s crimes, and the FBI under Trump found no support for such claims, Musk’s post set social media ablaze.
Later, when an X user suggested impeaching Trump and replacing him with Vice President JD Vance, Musk simply replied: “Yes.”
Trump Fires Back, Sticks to the Bill
Trump tried to pivot the focus back to policy. “I don’t mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago,” he wrote on Truth Social. He then resumed promoting his budget bill.
But the damage was done.
A Once-Powerful Alliance, Now Fully Broken
The Trump-Musk relationship was once seen as a modern conservative power duo—blending business acumen with political populism. Musk’s influence in tech, social media, and markets complemented Trump’s political brand. But their union, built on convenience and mutual gain, unraveled once priorities diverged.
Now, with Musk actively calling for impeachment and Trump threatening Musk’s federal contracts, the once-allied figures seem locked in a new rivalry.
What began with Oval Office admiration has ended with social media vengeance.
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