A Power Feud in the Public Eye: Trump vs. Musk
The once-warm relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has hit a dramatic turning point, igniting a public feud that’s captivating political observers. Just days after the White House honored Musk for his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the billionaire unleashed scathing criticism of Trump’s signature tax and spending proposal—the so-called “big, beautiful bill.” Musk labeled the legislation a “disgusting abomination,” accusing it of bloating the federal deficit and stripping benefits like the EV tax credit that help companies like Tesla. Trump swiftly fired back, claiming Musk knew the bill’s content intimately and only objected once cuts to electric vehicle incentives were made. The president didn’t mince words, saying Musk had “totally lost it” and denying any plans to reconcile.
Global Diplomacy Amid Domestic Drama
While the Trump-Musk conflict played out on social media and in press briefings, the president maintained his global agenda, hosting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and speaking with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In a tense but revealing meeting with Merz, Trump downplayed immediate diplomatic resolutions to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, suggesting that sometimes, it’s best to let adversaries “fight for a while.” Meanwhile, his conversation with Xi focused on navigating the thorny trade deal signed in May, despite recent U.S. accusations that China violated its terms. Trump emphasized progress in negotiations and exchanged formal invitations with Xi for future visits, projecting confidence in U.S.-China relations—at least publicly.
Political Fallout and Growing Division
Behind the scenes, however, signs of deeper political fractures are emerging. Musk’s claim that Trump wouldn’t have won the 2024 election without his support introduces a new level of political bravado and raises questions about the billionaire’s next move—especially after hinting that SpaceX might begin scaling back government collaboration. On the Hill, lawmakers are now contending with the political ripple effects of the Trump-Musk rift, particularly surrounding the controversial spending bill. With mid-2026 elections looming, the GOP faces a challenging narrative: balancing loyalty to Trump while placating influential allies like Musk, who still commands both public and financial capital. The Trump-Musk fallout is no longer just a feud—it’s fast becoming a defining storyline of this administration’s second term
