Tensions rise as Elon Musk and President Trump clash on X

by Phishego Mathipa

A public dispute between President Donald Trump and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has drawn widespread attention following a series of sharp exchanges on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The conflict began after Musk publicly criticized the administration’s latest economic policy proposal.

In June 2025, Musk resigned from his advisory role at the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), expressing strong disapproval of Trump’s proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, a large-scale tax and spending bill. Musk referred to the proposal as fiscally irresponsible and singled out the removal of electric vehicle (EV) tax incentives, a move that directly impacts Tesla, as a major concern.

President Trump responded by criticizing Musk’s motives, suggesting the Tesla and SpaceX CEO was acting in self-interest. He stated that eliminating Musk’s federal contracts and subsidies could result in significant savings for the federal government, claiming, “we will save billions and billions of dollars.”

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The situation escalated further when Musk made an explosive allegation that Trump’s name may appear in sealed documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Musk implied this might be a reason for the delay in fully releasing the Epstein files to the public. While no official evidence has been presented to support this claim, it has sparked renewed interest in the case and intensified the feud.

President Trump countered on X by calling Musk “disloyal” and accusing him of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” He also suggested severing ties with Musk’s businesses, including SpaceX, a key NASA contractor potentially affecting future space missions.

The market responded quickly to the public fallout. Tesla’s stock reportedly dropped by over 14%, resulting in a significant loss in market value, estimated at approximately $152 billion. The economic impact extended beyond Tesla, as political divisions within the Republican Party over the bill’s provisions have also grown, particularly among senators concerned about its long-term fiscal implications.

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In a dramatic response, Musk posted that “in light of the President’s statement about cancellation of my government contracts, SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately.” While the practical implications of this statement remain unclear, the threat raised concerns about the continuity of critical U.S. space operations.

Musk also accused Trump of lacking gratitude, suggesting his support helped Trump secure victory in the 2024 presidential election. Trump, in turn, questioned Musk’s loyalty and motives, framing his actions as opportunistic.

The ongoing tension highlights the complex and often volatile relationship between two of the most influential figures in American business and politics. As the conflict unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will affect not only their personal and professional ties, but also national policy, economic markets, and public trust.