The simmering tensions between US President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk exploded into a full-blown public spat on Thursday, with both figures trading sharp barbs across social media platforms. The feud, which stems from disagreements over Trump’s flagship economic bill and its cuts to clean energy incentives, has now escalated to direct threats against Musk’s businesses and a dramatic response from the Tesla and SpaceX CEO. From contract cancellations to the decommissioning of key spacecraft while Trump claims that Musk “went crazy” after he was asked to leave and EV mandates were cancelled- here are the top developments in the escalating war of words.‘Very disappointed in Elon’: TrumpThursday’s escalation started as Trump openly voiced his disappointment with billionaire Musk, indicating a potential breakdown in their previously cordial relationship after Musk heavily criticised Trump’s ‘Big, beautiful bill’.“Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore. I was surprised,” Trump stated from the Oval Office, responding to Musk’s recent declaration where he labelled the legislation an “abomination.”Although Musk did not directly reference Trump, the president interpreted the criticism personally. Trump confirmed they haven’t communicated since the remarks. “He knew every aspect of this bill. He knew it better than almost anybody, and he never had a problem until right after he left,” the president remarked.“I’ve always supported Elon. SpaceX, Tesla, those are incredible companies,” Trump acknowledged. “But I don’t understand how someone who benefited so much from American policy can turn around and call the bill that helps American industry an abomination.”According to a CNN source, Trump and Musk have not engaged in direct communication since Musk’s comments, until their now ongoing social media feud.‘Without me, Trump would have lost election’: Elon MuskShortly after President Donald Trump criticised former DOGE chief Elon Musk regarding his comments on the president’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”, the Tesla CEO responded sharply. Musk turned to social media in anger, highlighting his significant backing of Trump during the 2024 campaign, where he had served as one of the most prominent and impactful supporters.Musk subsequently asserted that Trump’s victory in the 2024 election hinged on his support. Additionally, he indicated that Democratic control of the House of Representatives would have continued without his involvement.‘Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate,” Musk wrote in a post on X.Also read: Elon Musk lashes out at Donald Trump; ‘big beautiful bill’ spat turns ugly‘Asked Elon to leave’: TrumpTaking a shot at Musk and Tesla’s government contracts, Musk claimed that he was the one to ask Musk to leave. “Elon was “wearing thin,” I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!” Trump said on Truth Social.He further went on to say, “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn’t do it!”
In response,Musk announced that SpaceX would commence the decommissioning of its Dragon spacecraft, following US President Donald Trump’s warning to end federal contracts and subsidies associated with the tech entrepreneur.“In light of the President’s statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately,” Musk posted on X.Read more: Elon Musk announces decommissioning of SpaceX Dragon spacecraft after Trump targets government contracts‘Trump is in the Epstein files’: MuskAmid the war of words, on his platform X, Musk posted, “Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!”He subsequently added, “Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out.”Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier, reportedly accumulated his fortune through managing investments for billionaires, although the details of his financial operations remained largely unclear. He established connections with numerous influential individuals, including former American Presidents, members of the British royal family, and notable entertainment industry figures. His legal troubles began when he entered a guilty plea in Florida in 2008 for soliciting underage prostitution. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, he received what many considered an unusually light sentence, serving only 13 months in custody under a contentious work-release arrangement.Read more: Elon Musk alleges Donald Trump named in Epstein files; says ‘truth will come out’‘Don’t mind Elon turning against me, but should have done so months ago’: Trump Trump continued to defend the bill saying, “I don’t mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago. This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress. It’s a Record Cut in Expenses, $1.6 Trillion Dollars, and the Biggest Tax Cut ever given. If this Bill doesn’t pass, there will be a 68% Tax Increase, and things far worse than that. I didn’t create this mess, I’m just here to FIX IT. This puts our Country on a Path of Greatness. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”Trump tariffs to cause recession; should be impeached: MuskAs the feud continued, Musk took a target at Trump’s tariffs claiming that they will result in recession later in the year. “The Trump tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year,” he said.While, continuing his jabs, Musk also supported Trump’s impeachment and Vance to be his replacement. Musk delivered a concise three-letter response – “Yes”.The exchange occurred when right-wing commentator Ian Miles Cheong wrote: “President vs Elon. Who wins? My money’s on Elon. Trump should be impeached and JD Vance should replace him.” Musk simply responded: “Yes.”This interaction highlighted the growing discord between the two wealthy individuals, who previously maintained a cooperative political relationship.
