Trump and Musk: A Political Breakup with High Stakes

The once-strategic alliance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has now given way to an open rupture. The U.S. President has issued a stark warning to the Tesla and SpaceX CEO: should he financially back Democratic candidates running against Republicans, he would face “very serious consequences.” The threat signals a turning point in what was once a close partnership between two of the most influential figures in American politics and business.

A Contentious Tax Reform at the Heart of the Feud

At the center of the dispute lies a sweeping tax reform plan championed by Trump and fiercely criticized by Musk. The White House touts the reform as both “bold” and “essential,” but it includes slashing subsidies for electric vehicle purchases—a direct hit to Musk’s industrial interests.

Musk didn’t hold back, describing the reform as a “budgetary monstrosity.” Like some Republican lawmakers, he fears the plan could further balloon the already massive national debt. Independent analysts estimate it could add over $2.4 trillion to U.S. debt over the next decade.

From Policy Rift to Personal Confrontation

What began as ideological divergence has now turned into a public confrontation. In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump declared the relationship over. “I think it’s done. I have no intention of speaking with him again,” he said. While he didn’t specify what the “consequences” would entail, he left open the possibility of severing government contracts tied to Musk’s companies.

On Musk’s side, tensions escalated when he posted—then deleted—a string of incendiary messages on X (formerly Twitter), including one insinuating Trump’s involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. He also shared a post supporting Trump’s impeachment. These posts have since been removed, suggesting an attempt at damage control.

Political Tensions on the Rise

The tax reform has narrowly passed the House of Representatives and is now under debate in the Senate. Despite internal Republican divisions, Trump has expressed confidence, predicting a final vote by July 4, America’s national holiday. Yet, Musk’s opposition and the razor-thin majorities in Congress could complicate that timeline.

Behind the scenes, this high-profile clash reflects a broader political realignment as the 2028 presidential race looms. Trump remains the dominant figure on the right, but Musk—an influential entrepreneur with growing political reach—may be positioning himself as a disruptive force in the conservative camp.