The simmering tensions between US President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk exploded right into a full-blown public spat on Thursday, with each figures buying and selling sharp barbs throughout social media platforms. The feud, which stems from disagreements over Trump’s flagship financial invoice and its cuts to scrub power incentives, has now escalated to direct threats in opposition to Musk’s companies and a dramatic response from the Tesla and SpaceX CEO. From contract cancellations to the decommissioning of key spacecraft whereas Trump claims that Musk “went loopy” after he was requested to depart and EV mandates have been cancelled- listed here are the highest developments within the escalating confrontation.‘Very upset in Elon’: TrumpThursday’s escalation began as Trump brazenly voiced his disappointment with billionaire Musk, indicating a possible breakdown of their beforehand cordial relationship after Musk closely criticised Trump’s ‘Large, stunning invoice’.“Look, Elon and I had an important relationship. I do not know if we are going to anymore. I used to be shocked,” Trump acknowledged from the Oval Workplace, responding to Musk’s current declaration the place he labelled the laws an “abomination.”Though Musk didn’t immediately reference Trump, the president interpreted the criticism personally. Trump confirmed they have not communicated because the remarks. “He knew each facet of this invoice. He knew it higher than nearly anyone, and he by no means had an issue till proper after he left,” the president remarked.“I’ve all the time supported Elon. SpaceX, Tesla, these are unimaginable firms,” Trump acknowledged. “However I do not perceive how somebody who benefited a lot from American coverage can flip round and name the invoice that helps American business an abomination.”In keeping with a CNN supply, Trump and Musk haven’t engaged in direct communication since Musk’s feedback, till their now ongoing social media feud.‘With out me, Trump would have misplaced election’: Elon MuskShortly after President Donald Trump criticised former DOGE chief Elon Musk concerning his feedback on the president’s “One Large Lovely Invoice”, the Tesla CEO responded sharply. Musk turned to social media in anger, highlighting his important backing of Trump in the course of the 2024 marketing campaign, the place he had served as one of the crucial outstanding and impactful supporters.Musk subsequently asserted that Trump’s victory within the 2024 election hinged on his assist. Moreover, he indicated that Democratic management of the Home of Representatives would have continued with out his involvement.‘With out me, Trump would have misplaced the election, Dems would management the Home and the Republicans could be 51-49 within the Senate,” Musk wrote in a publish on X.Additionally learn: Elon Musk lashes out at Donald Trump; ‘huge stunning invoice’ spat turns ugly‘Requested Elon to depart’: TrumpTaking a shot at Musk and Tesla’s authorities contracts, Musk claimed that he was the one to ask Musk to depart. “Elon was “sporting skinny,” I requested him to depart, I took away his EV Mandate that compelled everybody to purchase Electrical Automobiles that no one else needed (that he knew for months I used to be going to do!), and he simply went CRAZY!” Trump stated on Reality Social.He additional went on to say, “The simplest manner to economize in our Funds, Billions and Billions of {Dollars}, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I used to be all the time shocked that Biden did not do it!”
In response,Musk introduced that SpaceX would start the decommissioning of its Dragon spacecraft, following US President Donald Trump’s warning to finish federal contracts and subsidies related to the tech entrepreneur.“In gentle of the President’s assertion about cancellation of my authorities contracts, @SpaceX will start decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft instantly,” Musk posted on X.Learn extra: Elon Musk pronounces decommissioning of SpaceX Dragon spacecraft after Trump targets authorities contracts‘Trump is within the Epstein recordsdata’: MuskAmid the confrontation, on his platform X, Musk posted, “Time to drop the actually huge bomb: @realDonaldTrump is within the Epstein recordsdata. That’s the actual cause they haven’t been made public. Have a pleasant day, DJT!”He subsequently added, “Mark this publish for the long run. The reality will come out.”Jeffrey Epstein, a rich financier, reportedly collected his fortune via managing investments for billionaires, though the small print of his monetary operations remained largely unclear. He established connections with quite a few influential people, together with former American Presidents, members of the British royal household, and notable leisure business figures. His authorized troubles started when he entered a responsible plea in Florida in 2008 for soliciting underage prostitution. Regardless of the intense nature of the accusations, he acquired what many thought-about an unusually gentle sentence, serving solely 13 months in custody underneath a contentious work-release association.Learn extra: Elon Musk alleges Donald Trump named in Epstein recordsdata; says ‘fact will come out’‘Don’t thoughts Elon turning in opposition to me, however ought to have accomplished so months in the past’: Trump Trump continued to defend the invoice saying, “I don’t thoughts Elon turning in opposition to me, however he ought to have accomplished so months in the past. This is likely one of the Biggest Payments ever offered to Congress. It’s a Report Reduce in Bills, $1.6 Trillion {Dollars}, and the Largest Tax Reduce ever given. If this Invoice doesn’t cross, there might be a 68% Tax Improve, and issues far worse than that. I didn’t create this mess, I’m simply right here to FIX IT. This places our Nation on a Path of Greatness. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”Trump tariffs to trigger recession; must be impeached: MuskBecause the feud continued, Musk took a goal at Trump’s tariffs claiming that they may lead to recession later within the 12 months. “The Trump tariffs will trigger a recession within the second half of this 12 months,” he stated.Whereas, persevering with his jabs, Musk additionally supported Trump’s impeachment and Vance to be his alternative. Musk delivered a concise three-letter response – “Sure”.The change occurred when right-wing commentator Ian Miles Cheong wrote: “President vs Elon. Who wins? My cash’s on Elon. Trump must be impeached and JD Vance ought to change him.” Musk merely responded: “Sure.”This interplay highlighted the rising discord between the 2 rich people, who beforehand maintained a cooperative political relationship.
