Quick Read
- Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s public fallout escalated in early June 2025, with both figures trading accusations on social media.
- Musk criticized Trump’s tax policies as fiscally irresponsible, while Trump accused Musk of being ungrateful and politically biased.
- The rift comes after Musk’s departure from the Trump administration and disputes over electric vehicle subsidies and federal contracts.
In a dramatic turn of events, Elon Musk and Donald Trump, two of the most influential figures in modern politics and business, have taken their personal and professional disagreements to the public stage. The feud, which unfolded in early June 2025, has captured global attention as their heated exchanges on social media reveal the unraveling of their once-strong alliance.
The fallout begins with tax policy criticism
The rift appeared to have been brewing since Musk publicly criticized Trump’s “big, beautiful” tax bill earlier in the week. Musk described the legislation as a “disgusting abomination” that would dangerously inflate the national debt, according to Times of India. The Tesla CEO’s remarks came as a shock, given his prior vocal support for the administration’s economic policies.
On June 5, Trump fired back during a press conference in the Oval Office, expressing disappointment in Musk, whom he had previously described as a “genius” and a key ally. Trump suggested that Musk’s frustrations stemmed from the elimination of electric vehicle (EV) subsidies in the bill. The subsidies had been crucial for Tesla’s success, and their removal was seen as a blow to the EV industry. As reported by The National, Trump alleged that Musk had benefitted substantially from federal support but was now turning against the administration.
Social media sparks escalate tensions
The dispute reached new heights when both men took to their preferred platforms to air grievances. Musk, posting on X (formerly Twitter), accused Trump of lying and claimed that his financial backing had been pivotal in securing Trump’s election victory. “Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” Musk wrote on June 6. Within an hour, the post garnered over two million views, becoming one of Musk’s most-read statements, according to City A.M..
Trump retaliated on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling Musk “crazy” and questioning his loyalty. He also accused Musk of lobbying for the nomination of Jared Isaacman, a Democrat, to head NASA—a claim Musk vehemently denied.
Allegations over Epstein files and political ambitions
Perhaps the most incendiary moment in the feud came on June 7, when Musk posted a cryptic message suggesting Trump’s inclusion in the sealed Epstein files—a set of documents tied to late financier Jeffrey Epstein. While Musk did not provide evidence, his post reignited public speculation about the files, which remain a source of widespread controversy. According to The National, Musk followed this with a poll asking whether it was time to form a new political party to represent mainstream Americans, further fueling political intrigue.
Economic and political fallout
The feud has had tangible consequences beyond social media. Tesla shares dropped by 15% on June 8 as markets reacted to the public spat. Investors were concerned that Musk’s comments could jeopardize SpaceX’s lucrative federal contracts, including a $4.9 billion agreement with NASA to transport astronauts to the International Space Station. Trump hinted at the possibility of ending these contracts, stating it would save taxpayers billions, according to Times of India.
In response, Musk announced that SpaceX would begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft, which is critical for NASA’s operations. This declaration has raised questions about the future of U.S. space exploration and the administration’s reliance on private-sector partnerships.
The broader implications
Analysts suggest that the Musk-Trump fallout symbolizes a deeper division within America’s political and business elites. Musk’s departure from his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) earlier in 2025 marked the beginning of this rift. The department, a Trump initiative aimed at streamlining federal bureaucracy, had faced legal challenges and criticism from civil servants. Musk cited “irreconcilable differences” with the administration’s fiscal policies as his reason for leaving, as reported by Times of India.
For Trump, losing Musk as an ally may weaken his ability to rally support from tech and business leaders. For Musk, the clash may signal a strategic pivot toward more independent political advocacy, as he has hinted at ambitions to influence U.S. politics on a broader scale.
The unfolding drama between Elon Musk and Donald Trump is not just a personal feud but a reflection of larger ideological and economic tensions in America. As their conflict continues to play out, it remains to be seen how it will shape their legacies and influence public discourse.