Trump vs Musk: Did we see it coming?

The public fallout between U.S President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk marks a sharp shift from their once-close political alliance. Tensions escalated after Musk harshly criticised Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill, calling it “fiscally reckless” and threatening to oppose any Republican who backed it.

White House officials say Trump had initially refrained from retaliating, hoping to maintain Musk’s support ahead of the midterm congressional elections next year. But by Thursday, June 5, following a tirade from Musk on X, Trump responded publicly, expressing disappointment and threatening to cut Musk’s government subsidies. Musk fired back by endorsing impeachment calls and suggesting a new political party.