- Trump says Musk is “very upset” over EV subsidy cuts and NASA appointment rejection.
- Musk accuses Trump of hypocrisy and slams the bill for being packed with “disgusting pork.”
- Their once-solid alliance now looks fractured, with both trading barbs over policy and power.
The high-profile alliance between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk took a sharp turn Thursday, as both publicly clashed over Trump’s massive tax reform bill. Speaking from the White House, Trump said Musk’s fiery opposition to the legislation stems from two things: the removal of electric vehicle (EV) incentives and Trump’s rejection of Musk’s NASA pick, billionaire Jared Isaacman. “I’ve helped Elon a lot,” Trump said. “I’m very disappointed.”
Musk, who had previously overseen Trump’s DOGE initiative on government spending cuts, didn’t waste time firing back. He blasted the bill on X, calling it bloated with “DISGUSTING PORK” and slammed Trump’s decision to scrap EV and solar incentives while keeping oil and gas subsidies intact. In another swipe, Musk claimed Trump owed him for the 2024 election win, saying, “Without me, Trump would have lost.”
Deficit Concerns and Political Grudges
Musk’s criticism isn’t just personal—it’s policy-driven. He’s been railing for days about the bill’s projected $2.4 trillion impact on the deficit, calling it a “disgusting abomination.” Trump, in contrast, insists the bill is “incredible” and essential, even if it slashes key green energy programs. The president suggested Musk only voiced concerns after learning his preferred tax credits were getting the axe.
The tensions grew deeper after Trump rejected Isaacman as NASA’s head, citing political differences. “We won,” Trump said bluntly. “We get certain privileges. And one of them is not appointing a Democrat to run NASA.” That move came just days after Trump publicly praised Musk for his government service during a celebratory Oval Office event.
Fractured Alliance, Fading Trust
What started as a strategic relationship between a business tycoon and a populist president now looks like it’s unraveling. Trump said Musk once knew “the inner workings” of the bill better than most in government. But now, the president says the Tesla CEO’s outbursts are politically motivated and come “all of a sudden,” driven by what Trump called Musk’s desire for “billions and billions of dollars” in subsidies.
Musk, for his part, isn’t backing down. With tweets full of sarcasm, frustration, and political fire, he’s positioning himself as a disillusioned insider. Whether this feud dies down or escalates into an all-out war could shape not just EV policy—but the future of conservative tech alliances in Washington.
