Live updates: Elon Musk, Donald Trump fight continues to escalate; budget proposal could hurt Tesla profits
A public feud between Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated on social media since Musk first criticized a Trump spending bill. Musk said on Twitter he was planning an announcement Friday. Follow our live coverage.
Trump-Musk feud
The spat between Trump and Musk began after the former White House adviser criticized the U.S. president's 'Big Beautiful Bill'
The two spent much of Thursday trading insults on social media
Updated 29 sec ago
Musk vs. Trump: How it went from mushy bromance to messy breakup
By Kevin Jiang Staff Reporter
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, jumps on stage as he joins former Donald Trump during a campaign rally at site of an assassination attempt in Butler, Penn., on Oct. 5, 2024.
JIM WATSON AFP via Getty Images
It has been exactly one week since Elon Musk last stood in the Oval Office. Clad in a shirt that read 'The Dogefather,' Musk gratefully accepted a golden key from Donald Trump — a parting gift the president said he gave only to 'very special people.'
The tech mogul was stepping away from his role spearheading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), officially ending his 130-day tenure at the Trump administration. In that time, his operation dismantled USAID, threatened every federal worker with termination and tore up billions of dollars worth of research funds for cancer and other illnesses.
'Elon's service to America has been without comparison in modern history,' Trump said at the time. Musk, sporting a black eye he said came from one of his 14 children , returned the praises: 'The Oval Office finally has the majesty that it deserves, thanks to the president.'
Days later, both men would tear into the other across social media and live TV. In a salvo of posts on his social media outlet X, Musk claimed Trump is 'in the Epstein files' and that he only won the 2024 presidency through Musk's influence. 'Such ingratitude,' he wrote.
Read more from the Star's Kevin Jiang
Updated 12 mins ago
House leader Jeffries sees 'opportunity' in Trump-Musk feud
By The Associated Press
The House Democratic Leader calls the Trump-Musk breakup feud a 'welcome development' in his efforts to defeat the GOP tax breaks and spending cuts package.
'To the extent that Musk has declared the bill a 'disgusting abomination,' we agree,' said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.
'The opportunity that exists right now is to kill the GOP tax scam,' he said. 'We have to keep the pressure on House Republicans and Senate Republicans to do the right thing.'
Updated 14 mins ago
Dems urged to take advantage of GOP confusion amid Trump, Musk fallout
By The Associated Press
In the final event of World Pride's human rights conference, Democratic Rep. Becca Balint, Vermont's first woman and first openly gay person to represent the state in Congress, urged Democrats to take advantage of the confusion within the GOP amid Trump and Musk's public fallout, especially to protect transgender rights.
'We do have an opportunity here because our colleagues don't know who to support and they're scared, and we must exploit that,' Balint said.
Rep. Emily Randall, who won her race for Washington's 6th Congressional District in 2024, said the tension between Trump and Musk 'is reflective of the chaos within the Republican party.'
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Updated 49 mins ago
Republicans urge Donald Trump and Elon Musk to end their feud
By Seung Min Kim And Chris Megerian/The Associated Press
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., flanked by Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., left, and Rep. Mark Messmer, R-Ind., talks with reporters to discuss work on President Donald Trump's bill of tax breaks and spending cuts, at the Capitol in Washington this week.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
WASHINGTON—As the Republican Party braces for aftershocks from President Donald Trump's spectacular clash with Elon Musk, lawmakers and conservative figures are urging détente, fearful of the potential consequences from a prolonged feud.
At a minimum, the explosion of animosity between the two powerful men could complicate the path forward for Republicans' massive tax and border spending legislation that has been promoted by Trump but assailed by Musk.
'I hope it doesn't distract us from getting the job done that we need to,' said Rep. Dan Newhouse, a Republican from Washington state. 'I think that it will boil over and they'll mend fences'
Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, was similarly optimistic.
'I hope that both of them come back together because when the two of them are working together, we'll get a lot more done for America than when they're at cross purposes,' he told Fox News host Sean Hannity on Thursday night.
Read more from the Associated Press
Updated 3 hrs ago
What's next for Trump-Musk relationship?
By The Associated Press
After Thursday's spectacular blow-up between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk — which unfolded in real time — the big question for this Friday is: What next?
In a call with ABC News on Friday, Trump called Musk a 'man who has lost his mind.' According to the network's correspondent, Jon Karl, the president said he is 'not particularly' interested in speaking with Musk directly.
Still, Trump said Musk wants to talk to him, Karl reported.
Shares of Elon Musk's electric vehicle maker plunged more than 14% as investors dumped holdings, as investors fear his dispute with President Donald Trump could end up hurting the company.
Updated 3 hrs ago
Musk criticism of 'Big Beautiful Bill' kicked off spat
By The Associated Press
In this photo illustration, social media posts by U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are displayed on smartphones.
Justin Sullivan Getty Images
Johnson confident of passing big tax and immigration bill despite Musk criticism
Speaker Mike Johnson is expressing confidence that the growing dispute between President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk will not harm the GOP's prospects of passing Trump's big tax and immigration bill.
Musk has tweeted on X that lawmakers should call lawmakers and 'KILL the BILL.'
Johnson told reporters that he exchanged text messages with Musk on Thursday, but he would not reveal the content. He also said he was in constant communication with Trump.
'Members are not shaken at all,' Johnson said of the dispute. 'We're going to pass this legislation on our deadline.'
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Updated 3 hrs ago
Elon Musk could lose big profits for Tesla under a new GOP budget proposal
By The Associated Press
U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk speak to the press as they stand next to a Tesla vehicle on the South Portico of the White House in March.
MANDEL NGAN AFP via Getty Images
Republican senators have inserted language into the budget bill amid the Musk v. Trump feud that would eliminate fines for gas-powered cars that fall short of fuel economy standards. Tesla has a thriving side business selling 'regulatory credits' to other automakers to make up for their shortfalls.
The credits business was widely thought vulnerable to cuts even before the feud, and Musk has downplayed its importance. But the changes would hurt Tesla as it reels from boycotts. Credit sales jumped by a third to $595 million in the first three months of the year as total revenue slumped.
Updated 3 hrs ago
Elon Musk pulls back on threat to withdraw Dragon spacecraft
By The Associated Press
This photo provided by NASA shows support teams onboard the SpaceX recovery ship MEGAN work around a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft shortly after it landed with NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov aboard in the water off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, in March. SpaceX chief Elon Musk said on June 5, 2025 that he would begin 'decommissioning' his company's Dragon spacecraft, vital for ferrying NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station, after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to terminate his government contracts..
KEEGAN BARBER NASA/AFP via Getty Images
Musk is dialing back his threat to decommission a capsule used to take astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station for NASA. The threat came as President Donald Trump and Musk argued on social media on Thursday.
Trump said he could cut government contracts given to Musk's rocket company, SpaceX. Musk responded by saying SpaceX would begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft.
In this photo illustration, social media posts by U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are displayed on a smartphone .
Justin Sullivan Getty Images
It was unclear how serious Musk's threat was, but several hours later — in a reply to another X user — he said he wouldn't do it. SpaceX is the only U.S. company capable right now of transporting crews to and from the space station, using its four-person Dragon capsules. It could also pay Russia to ferry astronauts.
Updated 3 hrs ago
Donald Trump and Elon Musk break up, and Washington holds its breath
By The Associated Press
In this photo illustration, social media posts by U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are displayed on smartphones.
Justin Sullivan Getty Images
WASHINGTON—Maybe it was always going to end this way, with two billionaires angrily posting about each other on social media, fingers flying across pocket-sized screens as their incandescent feud burned hotter by the minute.
But even if the finale was predictable, that didn't make it any less shocking. After long months when Donald Trump and Elon Musk appeared united in their chaotic mission to remake Washington, their relationship imploded this week like a star going supernova.
It began with Musk complaining about the centerpiece of Trump's legislative agenda, which the president at first took in stride. Eventually Trump let slip that he was disappointed in his former adviser, prompting Musk to unleash a flood of insults and taunts.
He accused Trump of betraying promises to cut federal spending, shared a suggestion that the president should be impeached and claimed without evidence that the government was concealing information about his association with infamous pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Perhaps most viciously, Musk insisted that Trump wouldn't have won last year's election without his help.
Read more from the Associated Press
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Toronto Sun
2 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Trump says Elon Musk could face 'serious consequences' if he backs Democratic candidates
Published Jun 07, 2025 • 4 minute read President Donald Trump, from right, speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent listen in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington. Photo by Evan Vucci / AP Photo BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (AP) — President Donald Trump is not backing off his battle with Elon Musk, saying Saturday that he has no desire to repair their relationship and warning that his former ally and campaign benefactor could face 'serious consequences' if he tries to help Democrats in upcoming elections. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Trump told NBC's Kristen Welker in a phone interview that he has no plans to make up with Musk. Asked specifically if he thought his relationship with the mega-billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX is over, Trump responded, 'I would assume so, yeah.' 'I'm too busy doing other things,' Trump continued. 'You know, I won an election in a landslide. I gave him a lot of breaks, long before this happened, I gave him breaks in my first administration, and saved his life in my first administration, I have no intention of speaking to him.' The president also issued a warning amid chatter that Musk could back Democratic lawmakers and candidates in the 2026 midterm elections. 'If he does, he'll have to pay the consequences for that,' Trump told NBC, though he declined to share what those consequences would be. Musk's businesses have many lucrative federal contracts. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The president's latest comments suggest Musk is moving from close ally to a potential new target for Trump, who has aggressively wielded the powers of his office to crack down on critics and punish perceived enemies. As a major government contractor, Musk's businesses could be particularly vulnerable to retribution. The dramatic rupture between the president and the world's richest man began Thursday, with Musk's public criticism of Trump's 'big beautiful bill' pending on Capitol Hill. Musk has warned that the bill will increase the federal deficit and called it a 'disgusting abomination.' Trump and Musk began trading bitterly personal attacks on social media, sending the White House and GOP congressional leaders scrambling to assess the fallout. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Vice President JD Vance, in an interview Friday, tried to downplay the feud. He said Musk was making a 'huge mistake' going after Trump, but tried to downplay it as an 'emotional guy' getting frustrated. 'I hope that eventually Elon comes back into the fold. Maybe that's not possible now because he's gone so nuclear,' Vance said. Other Republicans in recent days urged the two men to mend fences. Musk's torrent of social media posts attacking Trump came as the president portrayed him as disgruntled and 'CRAZY' and threatened to cut the government contracts held by his businesses. Musk, who runs electric vehicle maker Tesla, internet company Starlink and rocket company SpaceX, lambasted Trump's centerpiece tax cuts and spending bill but also suggested Trump should be impeached and claimed without evidence that the government was concealing information about the president's association with infamous pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Look, it happens to everybody,' Vance said in the interview. 'I've flown off the handle way worse than Elon Musk did in the last 24 hours.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO Vance made the comments in an interview with ' manosphere' comedian Theo Von, who last month joked about snorting drugs off a mixed-race baby and the sexuality of men in the U.S. Navy when he opened for Trump at a military base in Qatar. The vice president told Von that as Musk for days was calling on social media for Congress to kill Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill,' the president was 'getting a little frustrated, feeling like some of the criticisms were unfair coming from Elon, but I think has been very restrained because the president doesn't think that he needs to be in a blood feud with Elon Musk.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I actually think if Elon chilled out a little bit, everything would be fine,' he added. Musk appeared by Saturday morning to have deleted his posts about Epstein. The interview was taped Thursday as Musk's posts were unfurling on X, the social media network the billionaire owns. During the interview, Von showed the vice president Musk's claim that Trump's administration hasn't released all the records related to Epstein because Trump is mentioned in them. Vance responded to that, saying, 'Absolutely not. Donald Trump didn't do anything wrong with Jeffrey Epstein.' 'This stuff is just not helpful,' Vance said in response to another post shared by Musk calling for Trump to be impeached and replaced with Vance. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It's totally insane. The president is doing a good job.' Vance called Musk an 'incredible entrepreneur,' and said that Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, which sought to cut government spending and laid off or pushed out thousands of workers, was 'really good.' The vice president also defended the bill that has drawn Musk's ire, and said its central goal was not to cut spending but to extend the 2017 tax cuts approved in Trump's first term. 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The podcaster also asked the vice president if he 'got high' on election night to celebrate Trump's victory. Vance laughed and joked that he wouldn't admit it if he did. 'I did not get high,' he then said. 'I did have a fair amount to drink that night.' The interview was taped in Nashville at a restaurant owned by musician Kid Rock, a Trump ally. Olympics Editorial Cartoons World NHL Columnists
Toronto Star
2 hours ago
- Toronto Star
2026 races loom at Georgia Republican convention as Trump loyalty dominates
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Toronto Star
2 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Trump says Elon Musk could face ‘serious consequences' if he backs Democratic candidates
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (AP) — President Donald Trump is not backing off his battle with Elon Musk, saying Saturday that he has no desire to repair their relationship and warning that his former ally and campaign benefactor could face 'serious consequences' if he tries to help Democrats in upcoming elections. Trump told NBC's Kristen Welker in a phone interview that he has no plans to make up with Musk. Asked specifically if he thought his relationship with the mega-billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX is over, Trump responded, 'I would assume so, yeah.'
