2 days ago
Donald Trump not interested in talking to Elon Musk as feud gets nasty - here's what could happen next
Donald Trump and Elon Musk feud has taken a sharp turn as the U.S. President refuses to speak with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO over a controversial tax-cut bill. Trump, frustrated with Musk's opposition to the bill—which adds $2.4 trillion in debt—threatened to cancel SpaceX contracts. The fallout is affecting Tesla shares and political alliances, with Musk pulling back support. Their public rift could impact the 2026 midterms and Republican unity. As Musk questions Trump's spending, their once-close relationship now risks damaging key government programs and conservative efforts. Here's what's really going on behind the scenes of this high-stakes political drama.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk clash over tax bill, government contracts, and national debt concerns, shaking up Washington politics, Tesla shares, and the future of SpaceX. Here's what triggered the feud, what's at stake, and what could happen next.
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Why did Trump refuse to speak with Elon Musk?
What sparked the Trump-Musk fallout?
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
How are Trump's threats affecting SpaceX and Tesla?
How does this feud affect the Republican agenda?
Could Musk's actions hurt Trump's reelection and Republican control?
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
What comes next if Trump and Musk don't reconcile?
FAQs:
Donald Trump and Elon Musk feud deepens amid tax bill fight and contract threats. U.S. President Donald Trump has firmly shut the door on a potential conversation with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, escalating a bitter public feud that threatens both Republican unity and key economic legislation. Despite efforts from top White House aides to arrange a call between the two influential figures on Friday, Trump made it clear he wasn't interested. 'I'm not even thinking about Elon. He's got a problem, the poor guy's got a problem,' the president told sharp fallout comes at a time when Trump is pushing to get his sweeping tax-cut and spending bill passed through the Senate. But Musk's vocal opposition to the plan—and Trump's growing frustration with him—could derail the bill and spark broader political and financial to a White House official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, there were early attempts to get the two men on a call. Initially, a different aide had even suggested that a conversation was scheduled. But as tensions mounted, Trump canceled any potential contact and turned his focus has reportedly considered ditching the red Tesla Model S he proudly bought in March after showcasing Musk's vehicles on the White House lawn. The message was clear—he's distancing himself, both politically and the center of the fallout is Trump's signature tax-cut and spending bill, a core part of his domestic agenda. Elon Musk has slammed the proposal, calling it a 'disgusting abomination' that would add $2.4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. Musk's criticisms have been echoed on his platform, X, where he agreed with posts suggesting Trump's bill could harm Republicans in the upcoming who once described the bill as a 'big beautiful' win for America, was clearly frustrated. After Musk's remarks, Trump responded with his own attacks, threatening to cancel SpaceX and Starlink contracts, a move that would have significant implications for U.S. space tensions immediately impacted Tesla's stock. On Thursday, shares dropped by 14%, wiping out a staggering $150 billion in value—the largest single-day loss in the company's history. On Friday, the stock made a slight recovery, but uncertainty remains Musk warned that if Trump were to follow through with cutting SpaceX contracts, he would start decommissioning the Dragon spacecraft—the only American vehicle currently capable of transporting astronauts to the International Space Station. Although Musk later walked back that threat, it shows how serious the stakes have resistance to Trump's tax and spending plan is more than a personal disagreement—it's a major political hurdle. The bill has already passed the House of Representatives but faces a tougher battle in the Senate, where Republicans hold a slim majority. Without Musk's backing, and possibly his financial support, the party's unity is at Speaker Mike Johnson, who has reportedly been texting with Musk, hopes the issue will resolve. 'I don't argue with him about how to build rockets, and I wish he wouldn't argue with me about how to craft legislation and pass it,' Johnson told who funded a large part of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, has already hinted at pulling back. Last week, he said he'd reduce political spending, and just this Tuesday, he called for voters to 'fire all politicians who betrayed the American people.'The public feud also opens the door to more disruption within the GOP, especially as Silicon Valley donors and business leaders closely watch the spat. Some fear Musk may not just stop his support—he could actively mobilize against Trump's James Fishback, one of Musk's few vocal allies, called on the billionaire to apologize to Trump, noting, 'President Trump has shown grace and patience at a time when Elon's behavior is disappointing and frankly downright disturbing.'There's growing speculation about how this could all play out. Trump remains adamant about pushing his multi-trillion-dollar economic plan, but without the help of one of his most high-profile allies, the road ahead looks the scenes, political analysts warn that the GOP could suffer setbacks in the 2026 midterm elections if the Musk rift grows. While Musk hasn't entirely ruled out making peace—he responded 'You're not wrong' to a post urging reconciliation—it's clear the relationship is at a breaking public split also risks damaging consumer confidence in Tesla and trust in SpaceX's role in government programs. With both sides trading shots, and the economy hanging in the balance, this Trump-Musk feud is more than a headline—it's a high-stakes political and economic clash with far-reaching is upset because Musk criticized his tax-cut bill and its $2.4 trillion debt may cancel SpaceX deals if the conflict with Musk continues.
