Donald Trump and Elon Musk spat
What began as a powerhouse alliance between US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk has now turned into an all-out political soap opera.The two figures have been trading jabs and accusations since Friday.Reporters asked Trump about his former ally, including whether he believed Musk had used drugs, a question prompted by speculation online and a recent New York Times article.“I don’t want to comment on that,” Trump said. “I read an article in the NYT and, frankly, it sounded very unfair to him.”A report by The New York Times alleged that Musk was abusing drugs while supporting Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign. Sources close to Musk claimed he used ketamine frequently, sometimes daily, damaging his bladder. They also said he used ecstasy, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and carried Adderall, a prescription stimulant.The report says Musk’s alleged drug use peaked while he was actively backing Trump and donating nearly $275 million. While Musk previously admitted using small amounts of ketamine for depression, some former friends now question his well-being. The claims surfaced just as Musk wrapped up his four-month stint in Trump’s government.The president also answered a flurry of questions about Musk while aboard Air Force One.US President Donald Trump offered a mix of praise and pointed remarks when asked about his former ally Elon Musk.“I hope he does well with Tesla. I just wish him well,” Trump said, when asked about the electric car maker. However, his tone changed as questions shifted to government subsidies and contracts. “Well, we’ll take a look at everything. He gets a lot of subsidy—only if it’s fair for him and for the country, but it has to be fair.”When questioned about the possibility of reopening investigations into Musk’s companies, Trump responded, “I didn’t know that they had any. I would just let them speak for themselves. I have no idea whether or not they have investigations.”He also addressed the symbolic “key” he had once given Musk in the Oval Office. “No, I don’t take things back. I gave him a key because he tried very hard,” Trump said.Trump went on to comment on Musk’s brief tenure at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a position the billionaire recently stepped down from. “Oh, I think it helped us a lot. It’s not finished at all. We’ve basically taken it over, and many people remain with us. We saved hundreds of billions of dollars,” he said.Their once-close relationship began to fall apart earlier this week after Musk publicly criticised Trump’s “big, beautiful” spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination.” Trump hit back in multiple interviews, saying Musk had “lost his mind.”Despite reports that Musk sought a phone call to smooth things over, White House officials made clear there were no plans for the two to speak. “The president does not intend to speak to Musk today,” an official stated.Trump is also reportedly considering selling or giving away the red Tesla he bought during their political alliance. The vehicle is still parked on White House grounds.Meanwhile, the feud has had market consequences. Tesla shares dropped more than 14 per cent on Thursday, wiping out over $100 billion in market value before seeing a partial rebound.
