Tensions Escalate Between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, Public Allegations Follow

A dramatic public fallout has unfolded between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump, as disagreements over economic policy gave way to deeply personal accusations and political recriminations.

Image Source: RealJakeBroe on X

The conflict, which intensified on Thursday, stems from Musk’s harsh criticism of President Trump’s recently passed domestic legislation—formally titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—which aims to extend Trump-era tax cuts while expanding defense and border spending. The bill passed the House by a narrow margin and now faces scrutiny in the Senate from fiscally conservative Republicans.

Musk objected to the bill’s projected $3 trillion increase to the national deficit over the next decade, arguing it contradicts the stated mission of the Department of Government Efficiency. "This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!" Musk wrote on the social platform X, formerly Twitter. “Everyone knows this! Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill. Slim and beautiful is the way.”

In a series of online posts, Musk also questioned Trump’s economic leadership, criticizing his proposed tariffs and warning they could spark a recession in the latter half of the year.

The disagreement quickly turned personal. Speaking from the White House, Trump told reporters: "Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore." The former president suggested that Musk’s opposition stemmed from the bill’s removal of electric vehicle (EV) tax credits. Trump stated: "The easiest way to save money would be to terminate Elon’s governmental subsidies and contracts."

Sources confirmed that Musk had lobbied lawmakers to preserve EV tax credits, a benefit now omitted from the final version of the bill. However, Musk denies being privy to the bill's contents, pushing back on Trump’s claims and calling them “false.”

As tensions mounted, Musk took to social media to amplify the feud. In one particularly controversial post, he alleged without presenting evidence that Trump’s name appears in sealed documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier accused of sex trafficking. “Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public,” Musk posted. He later added, “Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out.”

These statements triggered a wave of speculation. While Trump has previously denied visiting Epstein’s private island or flying on his plane, his name has been cited in Epstein’s address book and appeared on select flight logs—associations that have been publicly reported over the years. Trump has not objected to the Justice Department's ongoing review of the files.

Trump responded forcefully on his social media platform, stating: “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... and he just went CRAZY!"

In a separate post, Musk endorsed a user's call for Trump's impeachment and replacement by Vice President JD Vance, replying simply, “Yes.” He further suggested that without his financial and political support, Trump would have lost the 2024 election, writing: “Such ingratitude.”

Musk reportedly contributed over $270 million to Republican candidates, including Trump, during the 2024 campaign cycle.

As of Thursday, the two had not spoken directly. Sources within the administration confirmed that officials attempted to reach Musk and his representatives but received no response. Meanwhile, a Tesla vehicle that Trump once purchased in a symbolic show of support for Musk remains parked at the White House complex.

The White House has declined to comment on the matter currently, and representatives for Musk have not yet responded to media inquiries.