
Published 06/06/2025 15:06 | Edited 06/06/2025 15:07
The novel between Donald Trump and Elon Musk began with promises of government efficiency and transformations in the American economy. On July 13 last year, Musk declared public support to Trump’s presidential campaign, marking the beginning of a collaboration started between the richest man in the world and the most controversial political world today.
Musk not only publicly supported Trump, but also directly involved in the government, taking the lead of the Government Efficiency Department (Doge), created to reduce public spending. Its influence grew rapidly, and in February 2024, the magazine Time He even illustrated a cover by imagining musk sitting in his presidential chair.
In turn, Trump praised Musk as a visionary and granted him freedom to implement reforms. At the government’s farewell press conference, held in June, Trump said: “I am honored to be with Elon and he is not really leaving, he will go and go back.”
Silent disagreements: tariffs and subsidies generate friction
Despite the harmony image presented in public appearances, behind the curtains, the first signs of wear appeared. Trump’s protectionist policy, including global tariff increases, directly impaired Tesla’s international operations, especially in China, where the company has a giant factory.
In addition, Musk showed concern for cuts in federal subsidies to electric vehicles – a measure that would directly affect their companies, such as Tesla. He has already warned about the risks of setbacks in the energy transition, contrasting with Trump’s view, which advocates the increase in fossil fuels exploitation.
The failure of the crisis: “Big Beautiful Bill” and Public War
The break of rupture was the budget project known as Big Beautiful Bill, sent by Trump to Congress. The text brings cuts in some sectors and increased investments in defense, but generated great controversy by raising the federal deficit by about $ 2.4 trillion in the next decade.
Musk harshly criticized the project, calling it “disgusting abomination.” According to him, the project undermined Doge’s work and compromised US fiscal sustainability. The criticism was followed by an avalanche of posts on the X (former Twitter), where Musk accused Trump of hasty approval of laws without proper debate.
Trump, initially discreet, expressed his discontent in an interview with CBS at the end of May. However, the following Thursday, during an event at the Oval Hall, Trump was more straightforward: he said he was “very disappointed” with Musk and suggested that the billionaire only opposes the project when he sees his interests would be affected.
Musk’s answer was not long. In real time, he countered Trump’s statements, denying any knowledge of the law’s content and accusing the president of a liar. The change of barbs quickly intensified, with Musk stating that “without me, Trump would have lost the election,” and Trump replying that “the easiest way to save billions is to end contracts with Elon Musk.”
Dramatic climbing: threats, accusations and even Epstein enters the fight
Tension reached levels never before seen when Musk made a serious charge against Trump: he said, without evidence, that the name of the president appears in the Jeffrey Epstein -related documents – Sexual Scandal involving American elites. This statement provoked immediate reactions in both the media and the supporters of Trump.
Meanwhile, Musk announced that Spacex would begin to cancel public use of its rockets on government projects, a clear indication that it was using its strategic position as a pressure coin. On the other hand, Trump again attacks Musk, saying he “went crazy” and that the partnership was more advantageous for the businessman. If Spacex reduces collaboration with NASA, USA may lose advantage in the space race against China.
Political and economic impact: Who is more harmed?
The fight between Trump and Musk has significant implications:
- For Trump : Despite still having a strong support base, the president faces low popularity (39% approval) and needs the approval of republican centrists to enable his tax package. Musk’s criticism may impact important decisions in Congress due to the risk of losing support from moderate republicans in Congress. Epstein accusation can mobilize opponents. “Ally of Techs” image is scratched. The historic chat has opened a new crisis in the Republican Party with a crack between the Pró-Musk wing (technolibertarians) and the trumpus base (protectionist).
- Para musk : Your companies, such as Tesla and Spacex, depend on federal contracts and subsidies. Billionaire contracts with the government are at risk (NASA and subsidies). Trump threats to cut relationships pose a real risk. In addition, the 14% drop in Tesla’s actions after the crisis is climbing investors’ concern with Musk’s impulsive management. X (Twitter) becomes polarized battlefield. The risks are higher for the entrepreneur, as Trump controls policies that can strangle his companies.
What began as a historical alliance ended in a public war full of mutual blows. While Trump tries to maintain control over his legislative agenda, Musk uses his social network and global influence to combat policies they consider relevant. Both come out weakened, and the financial market and the political class watch perplexes to the show.
The confrontation between two Titans reveals weaknesses in both Trump’s governance style and in the position of Musk as a businessman and former public servant. The question now is: Who will retreat first? Or is neither willing to give your arm to cheer?
Chronology of the fall: from allies to public enemies:
DATA | EVENT |
---|---|
2023: to take the mel July 13, 2023 |
Elon Musk announces support for Trump’s campaign. |
October 2023 | The two appear together in rallies, sealing a partnership that seemed unbreakable. |
February 2024 | Magazine Time Publishes cover with Musk in the presidential chair, symbolizing its influence on the government. |
March 2024 | Musk assumes leadership of Doge (Department of Government Efficiency) |
April 2024 | Musk’s first criticisms of Trump’s tariffs |
May 28, 2024: The first cracks | Musk publicly criticizes “Big Beautiful Bill”, Trump’s budget project that increases expenses in defense and cuts up electric car subsidies. Called the law “Disgusting abomination” and accused her of raising the deficit by $ 2.3 trillion. Trump expresses disappointment with Musk in an interview with CBS: “He knew the project and did not complain until we cut funds to EVs”. |
June 6, 2024: The declared war | Government’s farewell collective; Trump Delivery Golden Key Trump in the Oval Hall: “I’m disappointed with Musk. I helped him more than anyone”. Musk rebate no X: “Without me, Trump would have lost the election”. TRUMP CONTRA ATACA: “I will cut all government contracts with his companies” (including $ 22 billion from Spacex with NASA). MUSK threat: “Spacex will cancel rockets for public projects”. |
June 27, 2024 | Musk critica “Big Beautiful Bill” no X |
June 28, 2024 | Trump calls musk ungrateful and threatens to cut federal contracts |
June 29, 2024: The low coup of the Epstein accusation | Without evidence, Musk implies that Trump is in the files of the Jeffrey Epstein case (billionaire accused of minor sex trafficking): “The documents did not leak because their name appears”. Trump reage: “Elon went crazy” And repeats that Musk only revolted after cuts in Tesla’s electric car subsidies. |
June 30, 2024 | Tesla shares fall 14% after climbing the crisis ($ 150 billion evaporated) |
Source: vermelho.org.br