Threats, Recriminations, Disagreements: All about Musk vs Trump feud
Elon Musk said he would end use of Space Exploration Technologies Corp.'s Dragon spacecraft and called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump, as a disagreement between the former allies exploded into an all-out public feud.
Musk's Thursday ultimatum came after Trump proposed cutting the billionaire's government contracts, following his onetime adviser's repeated exhortations for Republicans to vote against the president's signature tax legislation because of the cost.
'The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,' Trump wrote to his social media site.
Tesla's shares fell as much as 18% on Thursday, extending earlier losses after Trump floated ending Musk's federal relationships.
The back-and-forth, which also saw Musk insinuate that Trump was withholding the release of files related to disgraced New York financier Jeffrey Epstein because of his own presence in them, represented a remarkable falling out among two men who spent months working together to reshape the federal government.
It capped off a whirlwind day that began with a call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping designed to reset trade discussions that grew acrimonious over the past few weeks, as well as an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss the US's tense relationship with Europe.
The dispute over the GOP tax legislation devolved into personal bickering when Musk called Trump an ingrate and suggested the president would have never won the election. Trump responded by threatening a main source of the billionaire's wealth. Musk's Tesla Inc. and SpaceX have benefited from federal contracts and subsidies.
Ending contracts with Musk's companies could prove legally and practically unwieldy, given they are deeply intertwined with US space and defense operations. The Dragon spacecraft carries crew and cargo to and from the International Space Station.
Total revenue for SpaceX and Tesla from federal unclassified contracts since fiscal year 2000 is $22.5 billion, according to Bloomberg Government data.
'Go ahead, make my day,' Musk posted on X in response to Trump's threat. Later, he responded 'yes' to a Twitter user's suggestion Trump be impeached and replaced by Vice President JD Vance and argued that the president's tariff regime would tip the country into a recession by the end of the year. Musk also needled Trump over his past relationship with Epstein.
'Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!' Musk wrote.
The White House declined to comment on the Epstein accusation.
Trump said Musk's opposition to the bill was rooted in a provision that would scale back electric vehicle tax credits that benefitted Tesla.
'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!,' Trump posted.
Musk responded that Trump's claim he was asked to leave was 'such an obvious lie' and 'so sad.'
Trump first voiced animosity toward Musk earlier Thursday, saying that he was 'disappointed' by the billionaire's criticisms of the GOP bill, saying its cuts to electric-vehicle tax credits drove his opposition.
'I'm very disappointed in Elon. I've helped Elon a lot,' Trump said earlier during an Oval Office meeting with Merz. 'He said the most beautiful things about me, and he hasn't said bad about me personally, but I'm sure that'll be next.'
In a remarkable scene, Musk rebuked Trump in real-time, firing off rebuttals on social media as the president spoke.
'Such ingratitude,' Musk posted, citing his financial support for Republicans during the 2024 election. 'Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate.'
Musk floated the idea of creating a new political party 'that actually represents the 80% in the middle.'
Musk denied that motivation in a post on X, saying he was fine with reducing the EV credits if lawmakers 'ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill.'
Since leaving government, Musk has criticized the Republican package — Trump's 'one big beautiful bill,' as he calls it — because it is forecast to add to the US budget deficit.
The legislation would eliminate a credit worth as much as $7,500 for buyers of some Tesla models and other electric vehicles by the end of 2025, seven years ahead of schedule. That would cause a roughly $1.2 billion hit to Tesla's full-year profit, according to JPMorgan analysts.
'I'm very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here,' the president said. 'All of the sudden, he had a problem and he only developed a problem when he found out we're going to have to the cut the EV mandate.'
Musk, in another retort, said he was not aware of the details. '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!' he said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter before he purchased it.
Trump also said his initial pick to lead the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Jared Isaacman, was a barrier, in part because of his past supports for Democrats. Isaacman was an associate of Musk. 'I didn't think it was appropriate,' Trump said. 'He wanted that person, a certain person, and we said no.'
The exchange is the latest in what has been a relatively swift break with Musk, who served as a Special Government Employee overseeing cost-cutting efforts before leaving.
Just last Friday, Trump staged an event for Musk in the Oval Office, celebrating his tenure and thanking him.
Trump recalled that in Thursday's meeting with Merz, noting that Musk was sporting a black eye at the time.
'I said do you want a little makeup? We'll get you a little makeup. but he said 'no, I don't think so,' which is interesting and very nice,' Trump said Thursday. 'He wants to be who he is.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Protesters rally against ICE for second day in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES -Federal agents in Los Angeles on Saturday faced off against demonstrators protesting immigration raids following Friday's protests that senior White House aide Stephen Miller condemned as an "insurrection" against the United States. The security agents on Saturday engaged in a tense confrontation with protesters in the Paramount area in southeast Los Angeles, where one demonstrator was seen waving a Mexican flag and some covered their mouths with respiratory masks. A live video feed showed dozens of green-uniformed security personnel with gas masks lined up on a road strewn with overturned shopping carts as small canisters exploded into gas clouds. A first round of protests kicked off on Friday night after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted enforcement operations in the city and arrested at least 44 people on alleged immigration violations. The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that "1,000 rioters surrounded a federal law enforcement building and assaulted ICE law enforcement officers, slashed tires, defaced buildings, and taxpayer funded property." Reuters was unable to verify DHS's accounts. Miller, an immigration hardliner and the White House deputy chief of staff, wrote on X that Friday's demonstrations were "an insurrection against the laws and sovereignty of the United States." The protests pit Democratic-run Los Angeles, where census data suggests a significant portion of the population is Hispanic and foreign-born, against Trump's Republican White House, which has made cracking down on immigration a hallmark of his second term. Trump has pledged to deport record numbers of people in the country illegally and lock down the U.S.-Mexico border, with the White House setting a goal for ICE to arrest at least 3,000 migrants per day. But the sweeping immigration crackdown has also included people legally residing in the country, including some with permanent residence, and has led to legal challenges. In a statement on Saturday about the protests in Paramount, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office said: "It appeared that federal law enforcement officers were in the area, and that members of the public were gathering to protest." ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Los Angeles Police Department did not respond to a request for information about the protests or potential immigration sweeps on Saturday. POLITICAL DIVISIONS OVER FRIDAY'S SWEEP Television news footage earlier on Friday showed unmarked vehicles resembling military transport and vans loaded with uniformed federal agents streaming through Los Angeles streets as part of the immigration enforcement operation. The Democratic mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, in a statement condemned the immigration raids. "I am deeply angered by what has taken place," Bass said. "These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. We will not stand for this." The LD did not take part in the immigration enforcement. It was deployed to quell civil unrest after crowds protesting the deportation raids spray-painted anti-ICE slogans on the walls of a federal court building and gathered outside a nearby jail where some of the detainees were reportedly being held. In a statement, DHS criticized Democratic politicians including Mayor Bass, saying their anti-ICE rhetoric was contributing to violence against immigration agents. "From comparisons to the modern-day Nazi gestapo to glorifying rioters, the violent rhetoric of these sanctuary politicians is beyond the pale. This violence against ICE must end," said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. FBI deputy director Dan Bongino posted on X that they were reviewing evidence from the protests. "We are working with the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice," Bongino said.
New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
Global Smartwatch Shipments decline 2% in Q1 2025; Apple leads amid rising Chinese brands
The global smartwatch market saw a 2% year-over-year (YoY) decline in shipments during the first quarter of 2025, signaling a period of stabilization after years of rapid growth. According to the counterpoint research, despite the dip, Apple retained its position as the market leader, capturing 20% of global shipments. It was followed by Huawei with 16% and Xiaomi with 10%, both of which showed significant growth. Apple slips as Chinese brands accelerate Among the top 10 smartwatch brands, Huawei and Xiaomi registered the fastest YoY growth, driven by strong domestic demand and expansion in emerging markets. Apple, on the other hand, experienced a 9% YoY decline, primarily due to waning consumer interest. Industry analysts point to the lack of significant innovations in recent Apple Watch models as a key factor, with many users opting to hold off on upgrades. Apple's market share has also seen notable fluctuations over recent quarters. While it led with 31% share in Q4 2023, its share dropped to 20% in Q1 2025, reflecting a seasonal slowdown and intensifying competition. The 'Others' category — encompassing all non-Apple brands — accounted for 80% of the market in Q1 2025, underscoring the growing diversity of options available to consumers. China emerged as the top contributor to global smartwatch shipments this quarter, accounting for 29% of total volume. The country also recorded the highest YoY shipment growth at 40%, fueled by robust performance from Huawei, BBK (Imoo), and Xiaomi. This surge highlights China's role as both a major manufacturing hub and a fast-growing consumer market for wearables. In North America, High-Level Operating System (HLOS) smartwatches dominated with an 84% share, led by Apple, Samsung, and Garmin. The region continues to favor feature-rich smartwatches over basic fitness trackers, driven by health monitoring and connectivity features. As the smartwatch market matures, brands are expected to focus more on innovation, pricing strategies, and regional customization to sustain growth and consumer Kumar @ New Delhi The global smartwatch market saw a 2% year-over-year (YoY) decline in shipments during the first quarter of 2025, signaling a period of stabilization after years of rapid growth. According to the counterpoint research, despite the dip, Apple retained its position as the market leader, capturing 20% of global shipments. It was followed by Huawei with 16% and Xiaomi with 10%, both of which showed significant growth. Apple slips as Chinese brands accelerate Among the top 10 smartwatch brands, Huawei and Xiaomi registered the fastest YoY growth, driven by strong domestic demand and expansion in emerging markets. Apple, on the other hand, experienced a 9% YoY decline, primarily due to waning consumer interest. Industry analysts point to the lack of significant innovations in recent Apple Watch models as a key factor, with many users opting to hold off on upgrades. Apple's market share has also seen notable fluctuations over recent quarters. While it led with 31% share in Q4 2023, its share dropped to 20% in Q1 2025, reflecting a seasonal slowdown and intensifying competition. The 'Others' category — encompassing all non-Apple brands — accounted for 80% of the market in Q1 2025, underscoring the growing diversity of options available to consumers. China emerged as the top contributor to global smartwatch shipments this quarter, accounting for 29% of total volume. The country also recorded the highest YoY shipment growth at 40%, fueled by robust performance from Huawei, BBK (Imoo), and Xiaomi. This surge highlights China's role as both a major manufacturing hub and a fast-growing consumer market for wearables. In North America, High-Level Operating System (HLOS) smartwatches dominated with an 84% share, led by Apple, Samsung, and Garmin. The region continues to favor feature-rich smartwatches over basic fitness trackers, driven by health monitoring and connectivity features. As the smartwatch market matures, brands are expected to focus more on innovation, pricing strategies, and regional customization to sustain growth and consumer interest.
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
All-party delegation in Germany engages with lawmakers, think-tanks to highlight India's zero-tolerance stand on terrorism
Berlin [Germany], June 7 (ANI): The all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad to Germany met senior representatives from German Government, Parliament (Bundestag) and Think-Tanks to convey India's principled position of 'Zero-Tolerance against Terrorism' and its strategy to tackle cross-border terrorism, especially in light of the dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, the Indian Embassy in Germany said in a statement on Friday. 'During its first day of engagements in Berlin, the All-Party Parliamentary Delegation, led by Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon'ble Member of Parliament & former Union Minister, met with senior representatives from German Government, Parliament (Bundestag) and Think-Tanks to convey India's principled position of 'Zero-Tolerance against Terrorism' and its strategy to tackle cross-border terrorism, especially in light of the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The delegation also briefed the German counterparts and interlocutors about Operation Sindoor - India's firm, precise, targeted and non-escalatory response to the terror attack', the statement said. As per the statement, the delegation called on Johann Wadephul, Foreign Minister of Federal Republic of Germany. Recalling his recent interaction with Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, Wadephul reiterated Germany's strong support for India's fight against terrorism and the right of every nation to defend itself from such terror attacks. The statement observed that the delegation deeply appreciated Germany's strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and expression of solidarity with India. The delegation also emphasized the need to hold the perpetrators of terrorist acts accountable and called for multi-lateral cooperation in this regard. The delegation called on Omid Nouripour, Vice President of the German Parliament (Bundestag) and outlined the three salient features of India's policy in dealing with terrorism- Zero tolerance, not giving in to nuclear blackmail and resolving the issues with Pakistan bilaterally. The delegation emphasised that terrorism is a global threat and must be met with a unified international response. The delegation also met with Armin Laschet, Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee of Bundestag, Ralph Brinkhaus, Member of Bundestag (MdB) and Hubertus Heil, MdB. The delegation conveyed their appreciation for prompt expression of condolences for victims of the Pahalgam terror attack by Germany's top political leadership. They highlighted that the attack was designed to disrupt the booming tourism economy of Jammu & Kashmir and to sow seeds of communal tension in India, as per the official statement. It further observed that during their interaction, the delegation emphasised that Operation Sindoor received support from across the spectrum in India and conveyed India's united stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The delegation interacted with senior members of German Parliament (Bundestag) active in the fields of foreign policy and international affairs and a leading think-tank in Germany, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS). Ending the day's engagements, the delegation also had an interaction with representatives from leading German think-tanks and eminent personalities at a reception hosted by Ambassador of India to Germany, Ajit Gupte, the statement read. Notably, during the interactions, the delegation highlighted the measured, precise, responsible and non-escalatory nature of the steps taken by India in response to the terrorist attack. They emphasised that nuclear blackmail should not be allowed as a cover for terrorism and discussed India's strategy against cross-border terrorism in future. German interlocutors expressed support for India's stance, with a shared recognition of the urgent need for the international community to come together in the fight against terrorism. Both sides also discussed India-Germany cooperation in the field of Defence, Security and Counter-Terrorism as part of the deepening Strategic Partnership between the two countries. (ANI)
