Once a formidable force reshaping US, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are now locked in a fierce war of words
In a turn of events as dramatic as their rise to influence, US President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk have severed ties, transforming from strategic allies to fierce public adversaries. What began as a mutually beneficial relationship built on shared interests in deregulation, Government efficiency, and anti-establishment rhetoric has now devolved into a bitter feud, rife with personal attacks, policy clashes, and political threats that may shape the course of the 2026 midterm elections.
The alliance once seemed improbable — Trump, a brash political force with a loyal base, and Musk, the visionary tech magnate behind Tesla, SpaceX, and social media platform X (formerly Twitter), came from different worlds but found common ground. Trump admired Musk’s entrepreneurial genius and boldness; Musk appreciated the former president’s deregulatory stance and willingness to upend bureaucratic norms. The collaboration reached its peak when Musk was handed leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency, where he led aggressive cost-cutting reforms and reshaped federal spending frameworks.
Under Trump, Musk’s ventures thrived with major Government contracts and minimal interference. But the fragile bond began to crack when Musk publicly denounced a major new fiscal bill championed by Trump and Republican lawmakers. Dubbed the “big beautiful bill,” it promised sweeping tax cuts and spending reductions but also carried the risk of ballooning the national deficit and stripping health insurance from millions. Musk slammed it as a “disgusting abomination,” warning it would increase fiscal instability. His criticism struck a nerve in the White House.
Musk escalated tensions by suggesting Trump should be impeached. Trump responded with threats, hinting at cutting Musk’s federal contracts and warning of undefined “consequences” should Musk choose to support Democratic candidates in the upcoming elections. The President’s warnings carried weight — Musk’s companies rely heavily on federal partnerships, particularly in aerospace and defense.
For Musk, the breakup comes with significant consequences. Musk’s criticism of the Trump administration could jeopardise future Government contracts and expose his businesses to political retaliation. On the other hand, his apparent openness to backing Democrats marks a significant departure from recent years, where his alignment with conservative causes and voices had grown stronger. For Trump, the loss of Musk’s endorsement may alienate segments of the tech-savvy rightwingers. Yet it also gives him ammunition to portray himself as a populist leader unafraid to challenge. This breakup is more than a personal spat; it is a reflection of deeper tensions between Government power and private influence. As their relationship crumbles, the political and economic reverberations are likely to be felt far beyond Washington DC, shaping alliances, elections, and policy for years to come.
