Inside the Musk-Trump fallout: From DOGE partnership to public feud
The fallout between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has been a dramatic and evolving situation that has captured the attention of the public. This rift can be traced back to their differing political views and interactions over the years.
In a 2016 CNBC interview, Musk expressed his criticism of then-candidate Trump, stating that he believed Hillary Clinton’s economic and environmental policies were the right ones. Musk also questioned Trump’s character, stating that he did not believe he was the right person to lead the country.
Despite their initial differences, Musk was part of some of Trump’s economic advisory councils during his first term. However, Musk ultimately left his post due to disagreements with the president’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accords.
The relationship between Musk and Trump had its ups and downs, with moments of positivity, such as Trump congratulating Musk on his achievements and Musk expressing his admiration for the president. However, their relationship took a significant turn in 2022 when Musk purchased Twitter and brought back Trump’s account after it was suspended following the events of Jan. 6, 2021.
In July 2024, after an assassination attempt on Trump, Musk publicly endorsed the president and campaigned for him, including appearing at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Musk played a significant role in Trump’s reelection campaign, spending millions through America PAC to boost voter efforts in swing states.
After Trump’s reelection, Musk continued to be involved in the administration, serving as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, alongside tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. However, their efforts to cut government spending faced backlash, with protests erupting against Musk and the department.
The relationship between Musk and Trump began to deteriorate in May 2025 when Musk criticized Trump’s budget reconciliation bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination.” This criticism led to a public feud between the two, with Trump expressing disappointment in Musk’s remarks.
The feud culminated in a public blowup on Thursday, with Trump claiming he asked Musk to leave and took away his EV mandate, leading Musk to lash out on X, calling Trump’s assessment false. The back and forth between the two has showcased the complexities of their relationship and the challenges of navigating politics and business.
As the fallout between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how their relationship will evolve in the future.
