A political and business feud between two of the most powerful figures in the United States — President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk — has rapidly escalated into a digital showdown. What started as a policy disagreement has now turned into a public fallout, drawing millions of online users into the fray.
At the centre of it is a controversial spending and tax bill proposed by Trump, and Musk’s sharp criticism of the legislation, which he referred to as a “disgusting abomination.” The dramatic clash has sparked a wave of internet memes, satire, and online commentary, turning a serious political issue into a trending topic of humour and mockery on social media platforms.
The trouble began when Elon Musk, who recently stepped away from the Trump administration, posted a strong rebuke of Trump’s tax and spending legislation on X (formerly Twitter). Musk, whose company Tesla benefits from federal subsidies that the bill could threaten, took to his social media platform to express his anger.
In a post, he stated, “I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.” The bill had already passed the House and was under debate in the Senate at the time.
Watching Trump and Elon fight: pic.twitter.com/Ap5tjMwnEE
— Read Starting Somewhere (@JPHilllllll) June 5, 2025
The post triggered a chain reaction. What could have remained a disagreement over policy soon turned into a very public fight. Trump responded by accusing Musk of hypocrisy, saying that Musk “knew the inner workings of this bill” and was only now choosing to speak out. Musk fired back, escalating the situation by accusing Trump of being involved in the Epstein scandal and even calling for his impeachment. Although Musk later deleted the tweet that alleged Trump appeared in the so-called “Epstein Files,” the damage had already been done.
The dispute then moved from the political stage to the internet, where users began creating memes and parody posts. The online reaction has been swift and relentless. One user compared the feud to a Hollywood blockbuster, saying, “It’s great that Musk vs Trump is free-to-air and not pay-per-view.” Another joked that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi should step in to broker peace. An account parodying Modi even posted a mock statement announcing a “full and immediate ceasefire” between Musk and Trump after a night of talks.
— Criminalsimpsons (@Criminalsimpson) June 5, 2025
The memes have ranged from doctored scenes from “The Simpsons” and “Mean Girls” to dramatic edits showing Tesla cars burning in front of Trump-branded properties. One of the most widely circulated memes depicted a Tesla Cybertruck on fire outside Trump Tower. Another showed Musk writing about Trump in the “Burn Book” from “Mean Girls,” symbolising the personal nature of the fallout. There were also fictional updates declaring that Russian President Vladimir Putin had offered to mediate the feud.
Prominent political figures also joined in the online commentary. Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico posted a meme referring to the feud as “Real Housewives of Pennsylvania Ave,” further feeding the social media frenzy. Dan Pfeiffer, a former adviser to President Obama, posted: “Elon finally found a way to make Twitter fun again,” capturing the general mood of online users who have found entertainment in the unfolding drama.
Wait… is this the best meme ever made? pic.twitter.com/qmPpO7gPB8
— Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) June 5, 2025
Despite the memes and jokes, the backdrop of the argument remains serious. The bill at the heart of the issue allocates billions toward immigration enforcement and border control. Analysts warn that the associated mass deportation measures could cost the U.S. economy over $1.4 trillion in the coming decade. This has created tension between Trump’s policy direction and business leaders like Musk, who argue that such drastic measures could weaken economic growth and innovation.
Vice President JD Vance came to Trump’s defence, dismissing Musk’s deleted Epstein-related post as unfounded. Speaking on a podcast, Vance said that Trump had done nothing wrong regarding Jeffrey Epstein and maintained his loyalty to the President. He also praised Musk for his earlier role in rooting out inefficiencies in government but noted that Musk had “gone nuclear” in the way he handled the situation.
The feud has exposed deep cracks in what was once a beneficial alliance.
It was foretold. pic.twitter.com/Oj909VRL1m
— Middle Age Riot (@middleageriot) June 5, 2025
Musk played a major role in supporting Trump’s re-election campaign last year, reportedly spending around $250 million to help Republicans win. Now, that support appears to have completely unravelled, with Musk turning the very platform he used to promote Trump into a weapon against him. What was once political collaboration has become personal hostility, with the fallout now playing out in public view.
OK, we need a Trump/Musk meme thread pic.twitter.com/t2DJdrf1O6
— Pepel Klaasa (@pepel_klaasa) June 5, 2025
The current state of global Geopolitics. #muskvstrump pic.twitter.com/tTcpvoYtHB
— Tull McAdoo (@TullMcAdoo) June 5, 2025
It’s great that Musk Vs Trump is free-to-air and not pay-per-view, so we can all enjoy it. #MuskVsTrump pic.twitter.com/B4QBV2iUyq
— Joe (@MrJoeGooch) June 5, 2025
It’s happening!@elonmusk vs @realDonaldTrump
We’re back to Trump Plaza baby to see the MAGA Powers EXPLODE!!!!!#ElonMusk #muskvstrump #DonaldTrump #MAGA pic.twitter.com/wkEZ1uQVZw
— Hooked On Wrestling (@HOWrestlingUK) June 5, 2025
