Trump Musk Feud: US President Says No Plans to Talk as Rift Escalates Over Policy, Contracts, and Epstein Claims

The once-cordial relationship between former President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk has descended into a public standoff, with Trump declaring Friday that he has “no plans” to speak to Musk as their feud continues to escalate. The fallout from this high-profile spat has reverberated through Washington, Wall Street, and Silicon Valley, with implications for federal policy, corporate fortunes, and the upcoming midterm elections.

Origins of the Feud

The current tension between Trump and Musk erupted after Musk publicly criticized Trump’s signature “big, beautiful bill,” a sweeping tax and spending plan currently before Congress. Musk denounced the legislation as an “abomination,” arguing that it would exacerbate the already ballooning national debt, which stands at $36.2 trillion. Musk’s vocal opposition to the bill marked a dramatic shift from his previous role as a trusted advisor to Trump, where he led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), overseeing efforts to reduce the federal workforce and cut government spending.

Trump initially avoided responding to Musk’s criticism, allowing the entrepreneur to campaign against the bill. However, the president broke his silence on Thursday, expressing “great disappointment” with Musk during a session in the Oval Office. “Look, Elon and I had a wonderful relationship. I’m not sure if that will remain,” Trump remarked to reporters.

Public Exchange and Escalation

The feud quickly spilled onto social media, where both men are known for their combative styles. Trump took to Truth Social to threaten the termination of government contracts and subsidies for Musk’s enterprises, including Tesla and SpaceX. “The simplest method to conserve funds in our budget, saving billions, is to eliminate Elon’s governmental subsidies and contracts,” Trump posted.

Musk responded on his X platform, suggesting that Trump should be impeached. When a user posted a message calling for impeachment, Musk simply replied, “Yes.” He also claimed, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” referencing his $300 million in political spending to support Trump and other Republicans in the previous election cycle.

Musk’s attacks intensified when he accused Trump of being named in the sealed Epstein files, which pertain to the investigation into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!” Musk posted, though he provided no evidence for his claim. Trump vehemently denied the allegations, and White House officials dismissed them as baseless.

Economic and Political Fallout

The public feud has had immediate and severe consequences for Musk’s business empire. Tesla’s stock plummeted more than 14% on Thursday, erasing approximately $150 billion in market capitalization—marking the largest single-day loss in the company’s history. While the stock partially recovered on Friday, the damage underscored the volatility that Musk’s political controversies can inject into his companies.

The dispute also threatens to undermine Republican unity and electoral prospects. Musk’s influence as a major donor and his sway in Silicon Valley are seen as critical assets for the GOP. A prolonged feud could lead to a loss of Musk’s campaign spending or erode support for Trump in key tech hubs, complicating Republican efforts to maintain control of Congress in the next midterm elections. “Elon was indeed a crucial part of the ground game this past election cycle,” a Republican strategist told Reuters. “If he decides to abstain from the midterms, that concerns me.”

Attempts at De-escalation

Despite the acrimony, both Trump and Musk have shown signs of attempting to de-escalate the situation. Musk retracted a threat to decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which is vital for transporting NASA astronauts to the International Space Station. On Friday, Musk kept a low profile on social media, a departure from his usual prolific posting.

Trump, for his part, struck a milder tone late Friday, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that he would only consider canceling Musk’s contracts if it was “fair for him and the country.” He added, “It’s a lot of money, it’s a lot of subsidy, so we’ll take a look—only if it’s fair. Only if it’s to be fair for him and the country.” Trump also stated, “Honestly, I’ve been so busy working on China, working on Russia, working on Iran… I’m not thinking about Elon Musk, I just wish him well.”

Symbolic Gestures and Personal Impact

The feud has also manifested in symbolic gestures. Trump is considering selling or giving away the cherry red Tesla S he bought from Musk’s company in March, a purchase made at the height of their alliance. The car was still parked on the White House grounds on Friday, and a senior White House official confirmed that Trump was “thinking about” parting with it. This move would mark a definitive end to the public displays of camaraderie that once defined their relationship.

People close to Trump have described him as more sad than angry at Musk. One adviser said Trump seemed “bummed” about the breakup, reflecting the personal toll of the rift1. Musk’s father, Errol Musk, weighed in from the Delhi Airport lounge, urging his son to “make sure this fizzles out.” He blamed “a great deal of stress” for his son’s actions and predicted that Trump would prevail in the feud, citing the president’s popular mandate.

Broader Implications

The Trump-Musk feud is more than a personal spat; it has significant implications for federal policy and the business environment. Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” faces a difficult path through Congress, as nonpartisan experts predict it could increase the national debt by between $2.4 trillion and $5 trillion. Musk’s opposition has intensified divisions within the Republican Party, potentially jeopardizing the bill’s chances in the Senate.

The dispute also highlights the risks of high-profile business leaders becoming entangled in partisan politics. Musk’s growing involvement in political matters has sparked protests at Tesla locations, negatively impacting sales as investors worry about his divided attention. The episode serves as a cautionary tale for both politicians and executives about the perils of mixing business with politics.

Looking Ahead

As of Friday, there is no indication that Trump and Musk will reconcile anytime soon. The White House has denied reports that the two will speak, with a senior official stating, “The president does not intend to speak to Musk today.” Trump himself

told ABC, “You mean the man who has lost his mind?” when asked about Musk, adding that he was “not particularly” interested in talking to the tycoon.

Despite the acrimony, both men have left the door slightly ajar for future dialogue. Musk replied to billionaire investor Bill Ackman’s suggestion that Trump and Musk should reconcile with, “You’re not wrong,” hinting at the possibility of a détente2. For now, however, the feud persists, with both sides entrenched in their positions and the broader implications of their rift reverberating across the political and corporate landscape.