In a fresh wave of political drama, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly expressed disappointment in Tesla CEO Elon Musk following the billionaire’s vocal criticism of a Republican-backed spending bill. The two powerhouses, who once appeared to be strong allies, now seem to be heading toward a rift that could shake both political and economic circles.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump didn’t hold back. “I’m very disappointed in Elon,” he said, referring to Musk’s recent comments on social media condemning the proposed legislation. “I’ve helped Elon a lot.”
The legislation in question, officially titled the “Big Beautiful Bill Act,” is aimed at overhauling government spending. However, it includes a controversial clause that would eliminate consumer tax credits for electric vehicles—a move that Musk, whose Tesla empire heavily benefits from such incentives, strongly opposes.
Musk, never one to stay silent, posted during Trump’s remarks on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Slim Beautiful Bill for the win,” seemingly mocking the legislation’s name and subtly jabbing at Trump’s endorsement.
While Musk has framed his opposition as a matter of fiscal responsibility—arguing that the bill could balloon the national deficit—Trump claimed the Tesla CEO’s resistance was more self-serving, aimed at preserving tax perks that benefit his EV company.
This clash is particularly striking given their recent history. Musk played a crucial role in supporting Trump-aligned policies and reportedly spent close to $300 billion helping Republican campaigns during the 2024 election cycle. He was also instrumental in facilitating major federal cost-cutting reforms championed by the Trump administration.
Still, despite their collaboration, the tension has been brewing. Trump hinted that he’s unsure whether their relationship can return to what it once was, casting doubt on future cooperation between the two high-profile figures.
The fallout has already rippled across the financial world. Tesla shares dropped nearly 6% shortly after Trump’s remarks, adding to a 3% dip earlier in the day. Investors are clearly watching the situation closely, as any long-term fallout between Musk and the GOP could affect Tesla’s regulatory environment and future profitability.
As political and economic forces collide, the once formidable Trump-Musk alliance now hangs in the balance—leaving many to wonder: what happens next when two titans turn on each other?
