From foes to friends to foes again: What are ten key moments in Trump-Musk fickle relationship?

Time of India

a day ago

Image credit: AP
In a dramatic 48-hour unraveling, the relationship between US President Donald Trump and billionnaire Elon Musk collapsed spectacularly in full public view. The clash began when Musk openly criticized Trump's proposed 'big beautiful bill,' calling it fiscally irresponsible and disconnected from innovation-driven policy.
Trump fired back with threats to revoke federal subsidies and government contracts for Musk's companies, framing the tech billionaire as ungrateful and disloyal.
Musk, in turn, escalated the feud, accusing Trump of deception, failed leadership, and clinging to outdated political narratives. What was once a transactional alliance between political power and tech influence has now devolved into a high-profile feud playing out across social media platforms, with implications for business, politics, and the 2024 presidential landscape.
However, their relationship has swung from initial disagreements, to standing firmly by each other, and eventually drifting apart once again.
Here's a lookback into their hot and cold relationship:
2016: When Musk felt Trump 'not right guy' for US
There was a time, not long ago, when Musk publicly noted that Trump's lacked the "character that reflects well on the United States".
He had appraised Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton over Republican Donald Trump.
"I feel a bit stronger that he is not the right guy," Musk had said about Trump.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh?
HomeLane
Get Quote
Undo
"He doesn't seem to have the sort of character that reflects well on the United States," he had said.
"I don't think this is the finest moment in our democracy," the Tesla CEO added.
2017: Musk joins, then quits Trump's administration
Elon Musk left Donald Trump's administration during his first term over differences in opinions on climate change. Musk was a part of a handful of White House advisory boards, including Trump's "manufacturing jobs council."
"Climate change is real.
Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world," he had said.
2020: Trump calls Musk 'one of our great brains'
In 2020, Trump publicly praised Musk during a SpaceX launch, calling him 'one of our great brains' and commending his achievements.
However, despite occasional tensions, Musk maintained close ties with the federal government through lucrative SpaceX contracts with Nasa and other agencies.
2022: When Trump called Musk a 'bulls*** artist'
Trump, during a rally in 2022, had criticised Musk calling him a "bulls*** artist" for supporting the Democrats in 2016 Presidential elections.
'He said the other day, 'Oh, I've never voted for a Republican'. I said, 'I didn't know that.' He told me he voted for me, so he's another bulls*** artist,' he had said.
Two months after this incident, Musk, who bought X, formerly known as Twitter, lifted ban on Trump's social media account.
His account was suspended in 2021 following the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, as X's previous management cited the risk of incitement to violence in the wake of the deadly riot led by Trump's supporters.
July 2024: Musk's first official endorsement for Trump
The X owner's first official endorsement for Trump came on July 13, 2024 (local time), after the then GOP presidential nominee survived an assassination attempt. "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery," Musk had said.
Musk then actively supported Trump's campaign, even appearing alongside him on the trail, and contributed around $277 million to boost Trump and other Republican candidates — primarily through a super PAC he backs, known as America PAC, according to campaign finance records, CBS News reported.
The contribution made Musk the single largest donor to either party in the 2024 election cycle, according to federal election commission filings.
December 2024: With Trump in office, 'a star is born- Elon'
After securing victory in the US presidential elections, Trump, in his victory speech, gave a special mention to Musk saying: 'We have a new star; a star is born- Elon.'
'He's an amazing guy. We were sitting together tonight. You know, he spent two weeks in Philadelphia, in different parts of Pennsylvania, campaigning,' he had said.
January 2025: Musk back in Trump admin, spearheading DOGE
Trump appointed Musk to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role focused on reducing federal spending. However, the initiative fell significantly short of Musk's ambitious target of saving $1 trillion.
And thus began the beginning of a relationship that led Musk publicly professing his love for Trump: "I love @realDonaldTrump as much as a straight man can love another man," he had said.
The two leaders made a joint appearance in the Oval Office, where they took questions from the press.
Musk was accompanied by his son during the visit.
July: Musk criticises 'big beautiful bill' after exiting Trump government
Days after exiting Trump administration, Musk took on 'big beautiful bill' saying: "This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong."
T
he outspoken protest marked Musk's first public break with Trump since stepping down from his administration role last week.
"Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL," he said.
Tensions flared even further when Musk claimed credit for Trump's 2024 victory and dismissed the former president's remarks with a blunt 'Whatever.' 'Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate," Musk claimed.
In retaliation, Trump accused Musk of going 'crazy' after losing influence and threatened to cut federal subsidies to Musk's companies.
"Elon was 'wearing thin,' I asked him to leave… and he just went CRAZY!' he said.
Musk drops 'Epstein files' bomb
In a stunning escalation, Musk accused Trump of being named in the Jeffrey Epstein files — a highly controversial and politically explosive topic that continues to cast a long shadow over American public life.
'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!' he said.
"Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out,' he added.
He also criticised Trump's tariffs saying: 'The Trump tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year.'
Musk calls for new 'American Party'
Musk called for the launch of a new political party in the US calling it "The American Party". 'Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?' he said. Based on the X poll results, Musk agreed upon the name 'The America Party'.
"The people have spoken. A new political party is needed in America to represent the 80% in the middle! And exactly 80% of people agree. This is fate," he added.
Given their history of fickle relationship, will they find their ways back to each other, or is it the beginning of the end?