What began as one of the most high-profile political alliances between a sitting U.S. president and a tech billionaire has dramatically unraveled. On Thursday, President Donald Trump publicly threatened to sever government ties with Elon Musk, suggesting the U.S. could terminate federal contracts with the billionaire’s companies, including Starlink and SpaceX.
The explosive fallout played out across social media and White House briefings, escalating quickly into a personal and political feud between two of the world’s most powerful and unpredictable figures.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump lamented the deteriorating relationship. “I’m very disappointed in Elon,” he said, following days of online criticism from Musk aimed at Trump’s recent tax-and-spend legislation, which Musk described as a “disgusting abomination.”
Taking it further, Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, to issue a stark warning: “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!”
Musk Fires Back on X: “Go Ahead, Make My Day”
Musk, never one to back down, fired off a swift response on his social platform X (formerly Twitter): “This just gets better and better. Go ahead, make my day.”
The highly public spat comes less than a week after Musk and Trump were seen together at the White House, where Trump thanked him for what he called a “brief but important” stint in government. Musk had been working with the controversial Department of Government Efficiency, a Trump-created agency with sweeping powers to cut federal programs.
But behind the scenes, tensions had been brewing. Musk had increasingly voiced frustration with Trump’s economic agenda, culminating in a series of posts that questioned the president’s judgment and fiscal discipline.
Trump had stayed mostly silent — until now.
Fallout Hits Musk’s Wallet
The impact was almost immediate. Following Trump’s comments Thursday, Tesla stock dropped 9%, its most significant one-day fall in recent months. The company has already seen volatile swings since the election, rising sharply when Musk declared a renewed focus on Tesla, but struggling in the face of political headwinds and internal turmoil.
This latest blow adds to the mounting financial pressure on Musk, whose role in U.S. government operations had earned him both influence and scrutiny.
“Without Me, Trump Would Have Lost”
Musk didn’t just respond with sarcasm — he delivered a cutting reminder of his political backing. “Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” he wrote in a follow-up post. “Such ingratitude.”
Musk was one of Trump’s biggest financial supporters during the campaign, reportedly contributing over $250 million through a political action committee. His support came shortly after Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt at a July rally in Pennsylvania, and Musk quickly became a fixture on the campaign trail.
Their alliance was once so close that Musk was a visible presence in Trump’s inner circle: celebrating at rallies, advising on policy, flying on Air Force One, and even staying in the White House’s Lincoln Bedroom. He was often seen in Cabinet meetings, sometimes sporting multiple MAGA hats.
But that bond now appears shattered.
Trump Jabs at Musk’s Appearance and Departure
In a moment dripping with characteristic flair, Trump poked fun at Musk’s recent exit from public service, referencing a press conference where Musk appeared with a black eye. Musk said it was from his young son, but Trump joked: “Do you want a little makeup? We’ll get you a little makeup. Which is interesting.”
“He got out there, and all of a sudden he wasn’t in this beautiful Oval Office,” Trump added, implying that Musk may have regrets.
What Comes Next?
The feud raises serious questions about the future of major federal contracts involving Musk’s companies. SpaceX is deeply embedded in NASA and Department of Defense missions, while Starlink plays a critical role in military communications and internet infrastructure.
While some analysts see Trump’s comments as political posturing, others warn that the risk to Musk’s ventures is real if Trump follows through.
Neither the White House nor Musk’s representatives have confirmed whether any contract reviews are underway.
But one thing is certain: the most powerful bromance in American politics is now a very public war.
