Just when you thought their alliance was bulletproof, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are proving otherwise. In a surprising turn of events, the former president broke his silence on the high-profile rift with the tech mogul, pointing to a budget bill dispute and an eyebrow-raising social media post that unraveled their relationship.
Trump Breaks Silence on Elon Musk Feud
| Insight | Summary |
|---|---|
| From Allies to Adversaries | Musk left Trump’s cabinet and blasted his budget bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination.” |
| Epstein Files Accusation | Musk implied Trump was tied to Epstein, but later deleted the post after public outcry. |
| SpaceX Contracts Under Review | Trump threatened federal contracts; White House began assessing impacts on SpaceX. |
| Private Apology Offered | Musk reportedly called Trump and later posted a public apology on X. |
| GOP Voter Shift | Tesla stock dipped, and Musk’s favorability with GOP voters declined. |
The Trump-Musk fallout is a masterclass in how quickly powerful alliances can implode in the digital age. It started with a budget bill and escalated into personal accusations, contract threats, and a public apology. But as both men begin to soften their rhetoric, the question isn’t whether they’ll make up—it’s what it will cost.
What Sparked the Trump-Musk Feud?
The dust-up began over what Trump called “the One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping budget package passed in May 2025. Musk, who until then led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), slammed the bill for ballooning the federal deficit and quit his role soon after.
Weeks later, Musk posted—and then quickly deleted—a cryptic remark suggesting Trump appeared in the Epstein files. The backlash was immediate, and Trump retaliated with threats to sever Tesla and SpaceX contracts. According to multiple outlets, government officials began reviewing those agreements almost immediately. “We’re taking a very serious look at every dime,” Trump told reporters on June 7. “I don’t like betrayal.”
A Tense Week in Washington and Wall Street
Between June 5 and June 13, the feud dominated headlines. Tesla shares nosedived, wiping nearly $150 billion in market value before gradually recovering.
“Markets hate uncertainty, and this feud injected plenty,” said market analyst Tori Noland in a CNBC interview. Vice President J.D. Vance stepped in publicly on June 11, trying to calm waters: “President Trump doesn’t want a long-term feud with Mr. Musk. He’s disappointed, not vengeful.”
Trump Softens His Tone
By June 13, Trump’s tone shifted. In a sit-down with conservative radio host Mark Levine, he said: “Elon’s a friend who got a little bit strange. He made a mistake, he apologized, and we’ll see what happens.” Musk, for his part, reached out privately to Trump and later issued a public apology on X, saying, “I let my frustration get the better of me. I regret that post.”
What’s Next for Musk and MAGA?
While the storm may be clearing, the damage could linger. Musk’s standing among conservative voters has dipped, and his companies face ongoing scrutiny from federal agencies. “They can patch things up publicly,” said political strategist Karen Steele, “but the trust isn’t what it used to be.”
Musk has yet to comment on whether he’d accept another government role if offered. Meanwhile, contract reviews at NASA and the Department of Energy are still underway.
