The bond between Elon Musk and Donald Trump is over at last, with the tech tycoon’s $80,000 electric vehicle still parked in the White House lot unused as a reminder of the broken bond.
Trump lashed out at his one-time buddy this week, telling reporters he was “very disappointed” in Musk, who had served as acting head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The president confirmed Musk was ousted from the position last month after their friendship turned sour.
“Elon was wearing thin,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, leaving no doubt that the CEO of Tesla had outlived his usefulness in the administration. The remark was a far cry from the beginning of Trump’s presidency, when Musk was celebrated as a central player in the president’s effort to cut expenses.
The breaking point was when Musk made a series of public tirades against Trump’s self-titled tax and spending bill.
The billionaire did not mince words, labeling the bill a “disgusting abomination” and calling on Americans to phone their representatives and “Kill the Bill.” His scathing condemnation went viral on social media, making a humiliating public spectacle of the Trump administration.
Trump-Musk Feud Erupts Over Subsidies, Epstein Accusations
According to Trump, Musk’s anger stemmed from electric vehicle subsidies included in the legislation that would have directly benefited Tesla.
The president suggested that Musk’s opposition was driven by personal financial interests rather than genuine policy concerns. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would increase total deficits by $2.4 trillion over the next decade, though Trump has disputed this figure.
The battle escalated to the point of no return when Musk dropped a bombshell involving Trump’s association with Jeffrey Epstein. Musk’s accusation was that Trump was implicated in confidential documents with the convicted sex offender and financier. This was a personal insult that the president was not willing to accept.
A White House official confirmed to USA TODAY that Trump will have no further contact with Musk, signifying that the relationship is beyond repair. The official spoke on background terms, citing delicacy in the circumstances.
How Musk’s Government Role Ignited Protests and Tanked Stock
Musk’s time as government cost-cutting czar has been tainted with scandal and losses for Tesla. His aggressive moves to cut federal programs and staffing triggered nationwide “Tesla Takedown” protests. Tesla owners were taunted, and many dealerships were vandalized by protesters who were attempting to stop the federal cuts.
The backlash also severely affected the performance of Tesla’s stock. Its stocks plummeted by 15% on March 11 alone, marking the worst performance in five years.
The large drop wiped out billions from the company’s value and raised questions about Musk’s leadership.
The recent bout of fighting hasn’t treated Tesla kindly either. In the wake of the June 6 altercation between Trump and Musk, Tesla’s stock fell another 14%. Investors did, though, exhibit some renewed faith on Friday, as shares recovered 5% to trade at $300 on NASDAQ by mid-morning.
The acrimonious split between Trump and Musk is more than a celebrity spat. It is evidence of the risks of inviting outsiders into the government ranks and the inevitable conflicts that come from the collision of commercial and political ambitions.
Musk’s time at DOGE was meant to show how the private sector’s efficiency could revolutionize government, but it was a lesson in the risks of commingling business and politics.
The White House parking lot, where the stranded Tesla sits, is a fitting metaphor for the dynamic between these two larger-than-life figures. What was once a collaborative effort to shake up government efficiency has become public recriminations and suspicion as each man has to forge his own path ahead.
