Trump appears to be growing increasingly frustrated with Musk.
Headline: The Musk-Trump Partnership Lurches Towards Discord
Let's unpack this rocky relationship...
Elon Musk and Donald Trump: Once Friends, Now FoesBack in the day, it seemed like Elon Musk and Donald Trump were buddy-buddy, but things have turned sour. As per a "Wall Street Journal" report, Trump isn't exactly pleased with Musk's crusade against Trump's tax and spending bill—nicknamed the "Big Beautiful Bill" by the president. High-ranking White House officials confirm this.
Trump's Bafflement: Why Musk's Criticism Now?According to the report, Trump is puzzled about Musk's intensified barrage of criticisms following four months of close collaboration. Even Trump's advisors found it surprising. Musk had taken on the role of head of the government department for state efficiency (Doge) after Trump's inauguration, leading to cuts in various US agencies. He parted ways with the President's administration at the end of May.
NASA Nomination DerailsThe relationship seems to be even more strained due to the scrapping of Jared Isaacman's nomination for the top job at NASA. Musk had advocated for Isaacman, who has ties to SpaceX, Musk's space company. SpaceX regularly bags contracts from NASA. After the nomination fell through, Musk complained to confidants, as per the "Wall Street Journal". He felt let down, especially after pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into Trump's campaign. His frustration reportedly led to even more aggressive criticism of the tax bill.
"Disgusting Abomination"Musk didn't hold back when slamming Trump's tax bill on social media, calling it a "disgusting abomination". He warned congressional members that voting for it would lead to their defeat in the November 2026 midterm elections. As per Musk, Trump's plan would jack up the budget deficit and increase national debt.
Trump Stands Firm on Tax ProposalTrump's proposed law includes the perpetual extension of the 2017 tax cuts from his first term, along with heavy cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs. Despite concerns, even from fellow Republicans, Trump is pushing the Senate to pass the bill on or before U.S. Independence Day on July 4th. The 1116-page bill has already secured a pass in the House of Representatives.
A White House Staffer's PerspectiveA White House staffer revealed that it's too soon to tell if Trump and Musk still hold a close relationship. They added that Trump can be forgiving, but he's got a long memory when it comes to insults.
Angry Exit: Musk's Post-White House CriticismsEven before Musk's harsh tax bill critiques, Trump's allies were anxious about Musk's potential for public criticism after leaving the White House. Some government officials reportedly advised lawmakers on Capitol Hill to post positive social media messages thanking Musk for his service, hoping it would appease him.
In short, the rift between Elon Musk and Donald Trump stems mainly from Musk's combative stance against Trump's tax and budget bill, with the resulting public quarrel marking a significant shift in their once supportive relationship.
- The Commission, which has also been consulted on the draft directive, might find the conflict between Elon Musk and Donald Trump over the tax and spending bill particularly relevant when considering implications of policy on finance, business, technology, politics, and general-news sectors.
- Despite his criticisms, Elon Musk's past involvement in the government department for state efficiency and his advocacy for SpaceX's partner in the NASA nomination process could potentially influence discussions on the impact of politics and budgetary decisions on business and technology sectors.
- As the Musk-Trump relationship deteriorates, the White House advisors' surprise at Elon Musk's intensified criticism following four months of close collaboration is likely to be a topic of discussion in the political arena, shedding light on the dynamics of personal and professional relationships in both business and government circles.
