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Musk-Trump feud puts Washington power couple Millers in the spotlight
Just before Elon Musk's very public clash with Donald Trump erupted on social media, a quieter rift was already taking shape — this one between Musk and one of Washington's most powerful couples, Stephen and Katie Miller. read more
Before Elon Musk and Donald Trump's high-profile clash on social media reached a breaking point, another split quietly unfolded- this time involving Musk and one of Washington's most influential power couples: Stephen and Katie Miller.
Stephen Miller, a key figure in Donald Trump's inner circle and deputy chief of staff at the White House, where his wife Katie Miller, previously served as Elon Musk's spokesperson. But after Musk stepped back from his association with DOGE, Katie chose to dedicate herself fully to working with Musk.
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That decision has taken on heightened significance in the aftermath of Thursday's highly publicised falling-out between Musk and Trump, a feud that rocked political circles and business spheres alike. As the two titans exchanged increasingly aggressive blows on social media including Musk suggesting Trump could be impeached and replaced by Vice President JD Vance and Trump retaliating with threats to sever federal contracts tied to Musk's businesses, the Millers found themselves awkwardly positioned on opposite sides of the divide.
Katie Miller, who was in Texas last week accompanying Musk during a series of interviews with science and space journalists following SpaceX's ninth Starship test flight, has been openly supportive of Musk online.
Her profile on X (formerly Twitter) now features a SpaceX rocket in the header and includes a brief description: 'wife of @stephenm.' Her posts frequently highlight Musk's achievements, and on Friday, her only public comment was a humorous reply to a meme of her husband edited to appear as a Home Depot employee, referencing immigration raids.
According to one former colleague, the situation may soon force a decision. 'She can't align with both Elon and Trump — eventually, she'll have to choose,' the person told CNN.
Musk, for his part, unfollowed Stephen Miller on X amid the fallout on Thursday. However, both Stephen and Katie continued following Musk on Friday.
The implications for Stephen Miller's future in Trump's Washington remain uncertain. While some insiders suggest his influence could take a hit, especially if Katie's ties to Musk are perceived as a conflict of interest, others downplay the issue. Among Trump's advisers, Miller remains second only to Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in terms of clout. Some even speculate that Miller could be next in line should Wiles exit her role.
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Still, one senior official acknowledged the potential complications: 'This whole situation makes things messier. The fact that Katie is on Musk's payroll doesn't help Stephen.'
But others within the administration insist the President remains firmly supportive. 'Trump trusts Stephen more than almost anyone,' another top White House official told CNN. 'Katie's job with Musk has nothing to do with Stephen or his standing.'
The broader Musk-Trump rupture triggered immediate market tremors, with Tesla's stock sliding 14% on Thursday before regaining ground the following day. Meanwhile, the fallout has created unease among Republican lawmakers working to push through a major spending package facing stiff resistance from Democrats and some conservative holdouts.
Beyond the political drama, the consequences of this rift could reshape both men's futures. For Trump, severing ties with Musk risks alienating tech donors, social media followers, and younger male voters — key demographics that have been increasingly drawn to Musk's brand. This split may also complicate fundraising efforts ahead of the midterm elections.
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For Musk, the risks are more tangible. Losing Trump's favour could invite closer scrutiny of his companies' government contracts, heighten regulatory pressure, and potentially imperil the financial health of his ventures.
As the dust settles, all eyes remain on how both camps and the Millers caught in the middle handle the fallout from one of the most high-profile political business breakups in recent memory.
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