Trump–Musk Feud Erupts Publicly Over EV Mandates and Spending Bill, Here is why
In a dramatic turn of events, the once-warm relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has devolved into a public feud, centering on Trump’s new spending bill and electric vehicle (EV) mandates that Musk strongly opposes.
From Allies to Adversaries
Just days ago, the two were exchanging praise at the White House, with Musk reportedly enjoying unfettered access to Trump and being a favored presence at Mar-a-Lago. But that changed rapidly after Musk took to his platform X (formerly Twitter), criticizing the bill and urging lawmakers to “kill the bill,” calling it bloated with “pork” and harmful to innovation.
Trump responded during a press conference, clearly hurt by the fallout:
“Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” Trump said, his tone unusually somber. He added, “I’ve always liked Elon… I was surprised.”
The former president implied that Musk’s sudden opposition was motivated not by principle, but by business interests.
“He knew about the inner workings of the bill… he only had a problem with it once he realized the EV mandates would impact Tesla.”
Musk Fires Back
Musk didn’t stay silent. As Trump spoke, he posted live on X, linking to a video of the remarks and writing:
“Keep the EV mandates in the bill, but get rid of the pork… You could have an ugly big bill or a slim and beautiful bill.”
He also directly refuted Trump’s claim that he was familiar with the bill’s details:
“False. This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night.”
High Stakes and Political Fallout
Trump insiders admitted the split could be costly. Musk is not only the world’s richest man but also a major political influencer and donor. His platform, X, is a key hub for conservative discourse.
Some within Trump’s camp hoped for an amicable split, but Musk has gone silent, ignoring outreach from Trump’s team. This rift, unlike others, may have lasting implications—not only because of money and influence, but because Musk was seen as a crucial bridge between Silicon Valley and MAGA politics.
Business vs. Politics
The core of the fallout seems to be a mix of political ideology and business pragmatism. Trump views Musk’s criticism as self-serving, tied to financial interests in EV tax credits and subsidies. Musk, on the other hand, insists his concerns are about fiscal responsibility and government bloat.
The Bottom Line
The Trump–Musk bromance, once a public symbol of alliance between tech and populist conservatism, now appears to be unraveling. As both men gear up for a politically consequential 2024, the question isn’t just whether they’ll reconcile—but whether this breakup reshapes parts of the Republican donor and influence network.
