Trump vs Musk: The once-cooperative relationship between former President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk is showing signs of strain. According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, Trump is “losing patience” with Musk following the billionaire’s sharp criticism of the Republican tax-and-spending bill. The rift has deepened due to the White House’s decision to withdraw the nomination of Jared Isaacman, a Musk ally, for NASA leadership.
Washington, D.C. — The once-cooperative relationship between President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has grown increasingly strained, according to senior White House officials and sources close to both men. The tension stems from Musk’s public criticism of the Republican tax-and-spending bill and the abrupt withdrawal of a key Musk ally’s nomination to lead NASA.
Musk’s Criticism of Tax Bill Sparks White House Frustration
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently lambasted the GOP’s sweeping tax legislation, a move that reportedly left President Trump both confused and irritated. A senior White House official revealed that Trump was taken aback by Musk’s sharp critique, particularly after months of collaboration between the two.
“The president worked closely with Musk for four months, so this sudden shift in tone was unexpected,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Trump’s advisers were reportedly caught off guard by Musk’s vocal opposition, which marked a significant departure from their previously aligned stance on economic policy.
NASA Nomination Dispute Adds Fuel to the Fire
The rift deepened when the White House rescinded the nomination of Jared Isaacman, a close associate of Musk, as NASA administrator. Musk had strongly advocated for Isaacman’s appointment, viewing him as a crucial ally in advancing space exploration initiatives.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Musk was furious over the decision, privately complaining to associates that he had contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to support Trump’s re-election campaign, only to see Isaacman’s nomination revoked. This perceived betrayal reportedly emboldened Musk to escalate his criticism of the administration’s policies, including the tax bill.
A Fraying Alliance with Far-Reaching Implications
The deteriorating relationship between Trump and Musk could have significant repercussions, given Musk’s influence in both the tech and space industries. Tesla’s stock (TSLA) has already seen volatility amid the public feud, dropping 3.55% following Musk’s latest remarks.
While neither Trump nor Musk has issued an official statement addressing the tensions directly, insiders suggest that the partnership—once seen as mutually beneficial—may be nearing its breaking point. Musk’s willingness to publicly challenge the administration signals a broader shift in his engagement with Washington, as he increasingly positions himself as an independent voice on policy matters.
Trump vs Musk What’s Next?
As the standoff continues, observers are watching to see whether the two powerful figures will reconcile or if the divide will further escalate. With Musk’s ventures deeply tied to government contracts and regulatory approvals, the fallout could extend beyond political posturing into tangible business and policy consequences.
For now, the once-strong alliance between the president and the tech mogul appears to be unraveling, leaving industry analysts and political strategists to speculate on the long-term implications for both Washington and Wall Street.
—The Wall Street Journal contributed to this report.
