The recent public disagreement between former allies Donald Trump and Elon Musk attracted significant media attention due to the high-profile nature of both individuals involved.
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Trump, currently the President of the United States, and Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, were once closely aligned politically, professionally and personally. However, their relationship deteriorated sharply following Musk’s criticism of Trump’s recent legislative initiative, a major tax and domestic policy bill. Musk described the legislation as a ‘disgusting abomination,’ significantly escalating tensions. The conflict intensified further with exchanges on social media involving accusations, personal critiques, and even threats regarding government contracts held by Musk’s companies.
Recently, however, the two may have reconciled as Trump publicly expressed goodwill towards Musk, and Musk responded with a heart emoji, suggesting a potential easing of tensions between these influential figures.
Is the Trump-Musk feud coming to an end?
Recent interactions on social media suggest that the heated public conflict between Donald Trump and Elon Musk could be subsiding. Trump notably adopted a more conciliatory approach during comments shared on the platform X, stating:
We had a great relationship and I wish him well—very well, actually.
As reported by Fox News, Musk’s response, a simple yet impactful heart emoji. The response was interpreted by many as an indication of mutual willingness to ease tensions.
Additionally, Musk’s recent actions on social media indicate a softening stance. He shared Trump’s remarks condemning anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, highlighting Trump’s criticism of California’s leadership. Musk’s alignment with Trump’s strong position on law enforcement was further reinforced when he shared a post by Vice President JD Vance calling for decisive leadership in response to the riots, according to Fox News.
How did their feud escalate?
The feud between Trump and Musk escalated rapidly due to disagreements over Trump’s ambitious tax and domestic policy legislation. Musk strongly criticised the proposed bill:
I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination.
Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.
This statement startled Republican leaders who had viewed Musk as an ally, according to CNN. Trump’s response to Musk’s criticisms was immediate and severe. He accused Musk of previously supporting the bill privately:
Elon was ‘wearing thin,’ I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!
In another post, he said:
I don’t mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago. This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress. It’s a Record Cut in Expenses, $1.6 Trillion Dollars, and the Biggest Tax Cut ever given.
Meanwhile Musk categorically denied, labelling Trump’s claim as ‘false.’
Trump then took to social media to further criticise Musk, alleging Musk was embittered due to the removal of government-backed electric vehicle incentives. Musk intensified the conflict further, suggesting Trump’s presidency had benefited significantly from Musk’s support and accusing Trump of ‘ingratitude.’
Musk even suggested impeachment and replacement by Vice President JD Vance, comments which Fox News highlighted as indicative of a profound personal and political rift.
The feud reached a particularly controversial point when Musk briefly made reference to the late Jeffrey Epstein in relation to Trump. Fox News noted the backlash among Republicans, with several criticising Musk’s remarks as excessively inflammatory, leading to Musk quickly deleting the offending post.
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Sources used:
Fox News: Musk signals potential softening of feud with simple one emoji response to clip of Trump wishing him well
CNN: How the feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump exploded over 72 hours
