Prior to being political allies in 2024, Musk and Trump shared a history of mutual provocation. In 2022, Musk described Trump as an unsuitable presidentdue to his age in response to Trump calling him a "bullshit artist". While the relations between the two had warmed, in July 2025 however, Trump escalated the feud, stating at a rally in Michigan, "Maybe it's time hewent back to where he came from".[2] After their public feud began to thaw, with Musk sharing Trump posts on his X account and Trump calling him a good person, the two men publicly reunited atCharlie Kirk's memorial service in September 2025.
Musk criticized Donald Trump prior tohis first presidency in 2016[3] and the two feuded in 2022,[4][5][6] as well as subsequent years.[7] In 2024 there flourished what was described byThe Independent as a "rapid and intensebromance between two of the world's most powerful men."[8] In February 2025, Musk publicly stated he loved Trump as "astraight man",[9] before feuding again with President Trump in June.[10][11]
In July 2022, Trump referred to Musk as a "bullshit artist" and called Musk's contract with Twitter "rotten".[12][13] Musk responded by describing Trump as being too old for the presidency, instead favoringRon DeSantis for the 2024 presidential election.[7][14] Afterwards, Trump stated onTruth Social that Musk had come to the White House requesting help with subsidized projects and that had he been asked to beg, "he would have done it".[7][15] Trump also said on Truth Social that "Now Elon should focus on getting himself out of the Twitter mess because he could owe $44 billion for something that's perhaps worthless. Also, lots of competition for electric cars!".[7][15]
In 2022, afterTrump's Twitter suspension was reversed, Musk told Isaacson about Trump that "he's disruptive. He's the world's champion of bullshit."[16] In 2024,New York Magazine described the feud over the past few years as "on-again, off-again".[7]
Cash crunched by more than $50 million in legal fees, the Trump campaign met with Musk and other donors in March 2024; Musk said that he was "leaning away" from Biden. Trump declared having helped Musk in the past. Musk created theAmerica Super PAC on May 22.[17] Musk publicly endorsed Trump after the July 13Butler assassination attempt.[18] Musk hosted an X live stream on August 12 with Trump, in which he floated the idea of a "government efficiency commission".[19][20][21] Musk ended up contributing overUS$290 million toTrump's presidential campaign.[22]
Musk told investors in the April 22Tesla earnings call that he would spend less time on DOGE going forward.[27] During an interview at the 2025 Qatar Economic Forum on May 20, Musk told that he would scale back political spending.[28]
Trump celebrated Musk in anOval Office farewell ceremony on May 30.[29][30] TheNew York Times reported that, immediately after reporters left, Trump confronted Musk over political donations made toDemocrats byJared Isaacman, a Musk ally who was Trump's nominee administrator ofNASA. Trump informed Isaacman hours later that his nomination was being withdrawn.[31]
Isaacman told in anAll-in episode that he believed Trump's retraction was more related to Musk's departure than his past donations, described himself as right-leaning, and supported Trump's agenda.[32] Multiple sources reported thatSergio Gor, White House personnel director, was behind the retraction.[33][34][35] On November 4, Trump renominated Issacman as NASA administrator.[36]
In a CBS interview on May 27, Musk criticized the "Big Beautiful Bill" passed byCongress on May 22.[37] Musk argued that it increased the deficit and undermined DOGE's work.[38] Musk began his offboarding the next day. During an Oval Office sendoff on May 30, Trump said that Musk was "not really leaving" the White House.[39]
On June 3, 2025, at 3:32 p.mEST, Musk warned bill supporters: "In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people".[40] Three hours later, he called the "pork-filled" bill a "disgusting abomination". In the next two days, Musk continued, asking for a bill that does not increase the debt ceiling, saying that bankrupting America was not acceptable, and asking to "KILL the BILL".[39] Republicans' endorsement of the bill did not change.[41]
Trump comments on Elon Musk during his meeting with German ChancellorFriedrich Merz in theOval Office; June 2025.
Shortly before noon, Trump sat with German chancellorFriedrich Merz in theOval Office and answered journalists' questions for more than 40 minutes on live TV.[42] When asked about Musk's criticism of the bill, Trump said that he was "disappointed" because he "always liked Elon", that Musk was critical because of the cuts to electric vehicle subsidies, and that he would havewon Pennsylvania without him. While the interview went on, Musk fired back that Trump could keep his subsidies as long as the bill was "slim and beautiful". Trump also said Musk knew the bill "better than anybody" and that his Washington nostalgia may have turned toderangement; Musk responded that he was never shown the bill, that Trump would have lostthe election if not for him, and ended with "such ingratitude".[43]
Later Musk re-shared 2012–13 posts he found hours earlier in which Trump and various Republicans were chastising Congress on deficits.[44]
In a tweet posted at 1:57pm ET,[45] Musk floated the creation of a political party to represent the "eighty percent in themiddle".[46] Half an hour later, Musk replied toLaura Loomer that "Trump has 3.5 years left as President", but that he will be around for more than 40 years.[44] With more than 80% of "yes" votes to his poll, Musk proposed at 6:07pm ET to name the new hypothetical party "The America Party".
After the press conference, Trump turned toTruth Social to address the situation. He repeated that Musk went "CRAZY" about the "EV Mandate", which Musk immediately called a lie. Trump then threatened to cut Musk's government contracts.[48] In response, Musk said that Trump was in theEpstein files.[48] Musk then stated thatSpaceX was decommissioning itsDragon 2 spacecraft. Crew Dragon is the only operational Americancrewed vehicle capable of docking with theInternational Space Station, while Cargo Dragon andCygnus operate American cargo missions to the station. Musk deleted the post shortly after it attracted attention, and later declared that the spacecraft would not be decommissioned while responding to an X user who advised him to "cool off".[49] Two minutes later, Musk called for a third Trumpimpeachment.[50]
Musk ended his barrage of tweets by reiterating that tariffs would cause arecession in the second half of 2025.
Later that evening, Musk responded to hedge fund billionaireBill Ackman's plea that the country was stronger when Musk and Trump were allies, saying he was not wrong.Politico reported that Musk and Trump were scheduled to be on a call to reconcile.[51]
Late in the night of June 5, Musk approved of a tweet stating that the two main parties have no political will to reduce the national debt.[44] Early on June 6, Trump toldABC News that Musk had "lost his mind" and that he was not interested in speaking to Musk,[1] and repeated in aCNN interview that he won't be speaking to him in the near future.[54] The White House later stated that no call between Trump and Musk was planned.[55] A White House official later said that Trump was considering selling the redTesla Model S he received from Musk.[56]
According toBloomberg News, Trump aides signaled that Trump was moving on and that he would not cancel Musk's government contracts.[57]The Washington Post reported that Trump tried to explain Musk's behavior by saying he was a "big-time drug addict".[58][59]
Dmitry Novikov toldTASS that Russia could offer Musk political asylum, but that he would not need any.[60]
Musk reached out to the White House Chief of Staff,Susie Wiles and Vice-PresidentJD Vance to announce a halt to his criticism of the President and to explore a possible mending of the relationship with the President.[61]
In a morning interview withNBC News on June 7, Trump stated that he did not wish to reconcile with Musk, and added that Musk would face 'very serious consequences' if he funded Democrats.[62] Trump also mentioned having saved Musk's life during his first administration.[63]
In an interview withTheo Von aired on June 7 but recorded on June 5,[64] JD Vance said that he will always stand by Trump's side, that Musk made a huge mistake, and that he wished Musk returned "into the fold".[65] Vance also conceded that the bill "wasn't perfect".[66]
By the morning, several tweets were deleted from Musk's account: the Epstein accusation, the call to impeachment, and the claim that Trump would not have won without his help.[67][68] Later on the same day, Musk reiterated one of his earlier threats that if this "insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day".[69]
On June 9, duringongoing protests in Los Angeles, Musk deleted his posts calling for Trump's impeachment and praised the Trump administration's actions towards the protesters. During a press conference the same day, Trump also shifted his stance on Musk saying, "We had a good relationship, I wish him well, very well".[70] Late in the evening, the President took a call from Musk, which led the following day to a public admission of regret.[71] The next day, it was further reported that Musk had a call with Trump, where he expressed remorse for attacking Trump.[72][73]
On June 11, Musk publicly stated via Twitter that he regretted some of his posts about Trump for having "went too far" and Trump showed appreciation for the apology.[74][75][76] A week later, Musk lashed out atSergio Gor, an ally of the Trump family who led the Right for America super PAC, calling his identity into question, and calling him a "snake".[77] Musk later clarified that he was accusing Gor of having committed "a serious crime".[78] Senate Republicans hold Gor responsible for undermining the nomination of Isaacman at NASA.[79]
On June 27 Musk donated ten million dollars tosuper PACs associated with House and Senate Republicans and five million dollars to Trump's super PACMAGA Inc.[80][81]
Musk renewed his attack on Trump's Big Beautiful Bill in late June.[82][83][84] On June 28, Musk wrote on Twitter "The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country," and that it would be "political suicide for the Republican Party".[85] On June 30, Trump threatened to useDOGE, an initiative that Musk once headed, to look into Musk's business contracts with the government.[86] On July 1, Musk said he will donate to the reelection campaign of Rep.Thomas Massie, who was opposed to Trump's bill.[87] The same day, Trump stated he would "take a look" at the possibility of deporting Musk.[88]
In July, Trump reacted to Musk and the proposedAmerica Party by describing Musk as "off the rails" on Truth Social,[89] while Musk criticized the Trump administration response on the Jeffrey Epstein case.[90]
During a press conference on August 6, a reporter asked Trump about the accuracy of a recent Gallup poll which stated that Musk was the "most unpopular figure" in the United States and if he missed Musk. Trump responded that he was unsure of the poll's accuracy, acknowledged that Musk "had a bad moment", but also said that Musk was "a good person."[91]
DuringCharlie Kirk'smemorial service in Glendale, Arizona, Trump and Musk were observed engaging in conversation and handshakes with each other.[92][93] Musk posted a picture of his interaction with Trump on X with the caption "For Charlie",[94] implying that their tensions have been resolved.[95] The White House shared social media posts of their reunion.[96][97]
A few days later, Musk'sxAI reached an agreement with theGeneral Services Administration to provide federal agencies with Grok at a bargain price for two years.[98]
In November, 2025,The New York Times reported that Musk backtracked from the project of a third-party, and that sources close to him noticed that Musk was unaware of the many difficulties in setting up a new party.[99]
On June 5, Musk lost an estimatedUS$34 billion.[100] This is the second biggest loss in history, after Musk's previous 2021 loss.[101][102] Shares inTesla, Inc. fell fifteen percent, its worst day since theCOVID-19 pandemic.[103] Trading volumes for Teslaput options exceeded four million contracts, the highest on record.[104] TSLA short sellers ended their day rakingUS$4 billion.[105]Trump Media & Technology Group shares fell eight percent.[106]
The feud has riskedUS$100 million in political donations to Trump-affiliated organizations that Musk was set to give.[107] The dispute also threatened aUS$5 billion debt sale for Musk'sxAI.[108]
Immediately after the early June spat, Musk recorded his lowest net favorability in YouGov records, Musk's net favorability among Republicans dropping by 20 points.[109] Around nearly 40% of respondents to an early July poll byQuantus Insights indicated they would support Musk's third party.[110]
James Fishback, a Trump ally who floated the idea of a "DOGE dividend",[111] launched in July theFull Support for Donald PAC, asuper PAC "designed to blunt Elon Musk's political ambitions".[112] Musk has threatened to bankroll any anti-Trump Congressional candidate, be they Republican, Democrat or third-party. A DOGE employee has tried to contact Fishback through a Veterans Affairs' account; the White House said that person no longer works there.[113]
According toWall Street Journal sources, DOGE staffers who stayed within the administration were tested for loyalty.[114][115]
The "Elon Musk Smart Manufacturing Zone" on the Gaza-Israel border, where US EV companies would build cars for export to Europe, was planned prior to their relationship souring, now leaving Musk's involvement in doubt.[116]
The dissolution of Musk and Trump's relationship was praised by someMake America Great Again followers.[119] AYouGov survey indicated that most Republicans support Trump in the feud, while most Democrats were neutral.[120] When asked to react to a statement from Musk on the GOP-backed spending bill, 56% said they agreed and 17% said they disagreed.[121]
Onhis podcast,Steve Bannon warned that Musk could be "flipped" by Democrats.[122] He encouraged Trump to cancel Musk's federal contracts and investigate his immigration status.[123] This has led to the possibility of Musk being deported from the United States.[124][125] After Bannon called for Trump to seizeSpaceX with an executive order, Musk referred to him as a "communist retard".[126]
Trump's focus on Musk during his meeting withFriedrich Merz was met with relief from several German commentators, who noted caustic meetings with Ukrainian presidentVolodymyr Zelensky and South African presidentCyril Ramaphosa.[132]
In Russia, the government described the feud as an internal issue for the United States.[133] However, the feud was widely discussed among Russian political and business leaders.Dmitry Rogozin, a Russian ultranationalist politician, encouraged Musk to emigrate to Russia.[134]
^"LISTEN: Donald J. Trump's space".x.com. August 13, 2024.Archived from the original on May 14, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 27, 2025.MUSK: I think it would be great to just have a government efficiency commission that takes a look at these things and just ensures that the taxpayer money, the taxpayers hard-earned money is spent in a good way. I'd be happy to help out on such a commission [...] TRUMP: I'd love it. (1hr49m58s)
^Schneid, Rebecca (June 6, 2025)."J.D. Vance Speaks Out After He's Dragged Into Trump-Musk Row".TIME. RetrievedJune 17, 2025.Musk also acknowledged an X post from Vance, sharing a laughing emoji in response to the Vice President's commentary that it had been a "slow news day." Revealing he was sitting down with popular podcaster Theo Vaughn for an interview, Vance quipped: "What are we even going to talk about?"
^Cai, Sophia (July 9, 2025)."White House looks into rogue employee who used a DOGE account to DM anti-Musk activist".Politico. RetrievedJuly 10, 2025."James - we need to talk. Your recent behavior has crossed some serious lines. That's why we rejected your DOGE application in the first place. Let's step your game up. This is embarrassing," read the message, reviewed by POLITICO.
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