Unraveling the Rift Between Trump and Musk
The close relationship onc shared by former President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk took a sharp turn on Thursday, as both figures publicly exchanged pointed criticisms via social media platforms. This fallout came just months after their rapport had deepened to the extent that Musk occasionally spent nights at the White House.
A Timeline of Thursday’s Public Confrontation
11:20 A.M., June 5 – Elon Musk initiated his critique by reposting a 2013 tweet from Trump expressing frustration over Republicans extending the debt ceiling. Musk praised it as “wise words,” countering Trump’s recent push to abolish the debt limit entirely within a bill aimed at raising it before an August deadline.
12:00 P.M. – In an Oval Office briefing, Trump responded by suggesting that Musk’s opposition stemmed from losing electric vehicle tax credits. He questioned whether their friendship could survive this dispute and implied that musk had insider knowledge about the bill’s contents.
Shortly after noon, Trump accused Musk of suffering from what he called “trump derangement syndrome,” describing it as hostility toward him following his exit from government roles.
12:25 P.M. – On X (formerly Twitter), musk denied that his criticism was motivated by EV tax credit removals, stating he hadn’t seen the bill before its late-night passage when most lawmakers were still unfamiliar with its details.
12:46 P.M. – Highlighting his financial backing exceeding $250 million for Trump’s campaign, Musk claimed Republicans would have lost Congress without him and expressed disappointment over what he described as Trump’s lack of gratitude in subsequent posts.
2:37 P.M. – Trump proposed cutting government contracts and subsidies awarded to Elon as an easy way to reduce federal spending, expressing surprise President Biden hadn’t already done so. He also alleged that during White House visits, Musk became confrontational and was asked to leave after opposing EV tax credit removals in legislation.
2:48 P.M. – Dismissing thes accusations as outright falsehoods, Musk expressed regret over claims about his departure from White House meetings or frustrations related to changes in electric vehicle policies.
3:10 P.M. – Escalating tensions online,Musk made unverified allegations accusing Trump of withholding FBI files connected to Jeffrey Epstein investigations-claims lacking supporting evidence but fueling controversy nonetheless.
4:09 P.M.-Musk announced plans to retire SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft used for NASA astronaut missions but reversed course around midnight Friday following public backlash, acknowledging sound advice not to proceed immediately with decommissioning.
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4 :11 PM . Musk supported calls for Trump’s impeachment by affirmatively responding when a user suggested replacing him with JD Vance amid their intensifying feud .
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4 :26 PM. He cautioned that tariffs imposed during Trump’s management might trigger economic downturns later this year-a notable shift toward more direct criticism compared with earlier reserved remarks .
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11 :16 PM . Despite heated exchanges ,Trump downplayed conflict severity saying “oh it’s okay” while aides reportedly sought dialog between both parties aiming for reconciliation .
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12 :30 AM (June6) . following follower advice ,Elon retracted threat concerning SpaceX Dragon retirement stating “Good advice. Ok , we won’t decommission Dragon.” indicating willingness toward easing tensions .
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1 AM (June6).Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman – known supporter of both men – urged peace citing national interest ; Elon agreed replying “You’re not wrong.” signaling potential truce ahead amidst ongoing disputes .
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< Span >4 AM (June6) :Musk reposted predictions forecasting Republican losses in upcoming midterms yet continued targeting key allies like Steve Bannon alongside criticizing signature spending bills linked with Trump’s agenda despite tentative detente signals.< / p >
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< Span >7 AM :Tesla shares rebounded slightly (+4.4%) premarket Friday following thursday’s steep drop (-14%) triggered by public clashes; however market volatility remains high amid uncertainty surrounding leadership dynamics.< / p >
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< Span >8 :17 AM :A morning interview revealed Trump’s reluctance toward immediate communication labeling elon mentally unstable while reflecting strained relations despite previous warmth.< / p >
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< Span >12 :06 PM :A senior official disclosed President contemplating selling Tesla Model S purchased recently during symbolic display supporting Elon; reports indicate vehicle may already be listed for sale reflecting cooling enthusiasm.< / p >
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The feud appeared less visible publicly by Friday afternoon though speculation persists regarding possible reconciliation within days given behind-the-scenes efforts underway.< / p >
The Debate Over Electric Vehicle Tax Credits Demystified
Musk has long advocated eliminating all electric vehicle incentives rather than opposing them solely due to Tesla-specific benefits being removed. During december Capitol Hill discussions last year, he voiced support for phasing out every subsidy altogether-a position complicating narratives around political disagreements tied to energy policy reforms expected thru legislation slated until mid-2026 affecting $7,500 tax breaks previously available under older frameworks designed primarily for legacy vehicles and manufacturers.
the fiscal Consequences Underpinning Policy Disputes
The Congressional Budget Office projects this legislative package could add roughly $2.4 trillion in federal debt over ten years despite gross costs nearing $4.2 trillion-largely driven by sweeping tax cuts partially offset through savings close to $1.8 trillion via programme reductions including Medicaid adjustments.
An Expressed Disappointment From The former Commander-in-Chief
“I’m very disappointed in Elon,” stated Donald Trump during talks alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz inside Oval Office quarters on Thursday afternoon-highlighting personal frustrations intertwined deeply with political discord.
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A Background Look Into The Rift Between Two Powerhouses Of politics And Industry:
Musk recently stepped away from governmental roles but unleashed multiple critiques targeting fiscal irresponsibility embedded within Trump’s flagship bill aimed at raising debt ceilings while preserving key campaign promises such as extending prior tax cuts plus border security enhancements funded partly through healthcare budget trims.
His initial denunciation described legislation using vivid terms branding it excessively laden with unnecessary expenditures (“massive,” “outrageous,” “revolting abomination”).Early defenses came mainly from GOP leaders like Speaker Mike Johnson who acknowledged displeasure at Elon’s sudden reversal.
Warnings included threats directed towards lawmakers endorsing said bill emphasizing voter backlash anticipated come November elections urging complete rejection (“KILL The BILL”).< / p>
Navigating Legislative Challenges And Political Stakes Ahead:
This contentious measure passed narrowly along party lines last month but faces hurdles within Senate negotiations where some Republicans express reservations or regret due partly lack clarity regarding certain provisions.
The law aims fulfill several core promises championed during campaigns including maintaining zero taxation on tips/overtime wages alongside bolstering border enforcement financed via Medicaid cuts-all contributing factors fueling debate among stakeholders concerned about fiscal sustainability versus political expediency.
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Tesla Stock Fluctuations And Market Responses Amidst Feud:
Tesla endured one of its worst trading sessions since going public in2010 dropping14%, erasing gains accumulated throughout May closing near$285 per share according FactSet data.
This decline translated into roughly$27 billion loss off CEO’s net worth estimated now around$388 billion still ranking highest globally albeit diminished temporarily.
Meanwhile shares tied directly or indirectly linked with former president also declined sharply including those belonging TRUMP Media & Technology Group falling8% reaching lowest levels since mid-April.
Cryptocurrency markets felt ripple effects too; Ethereum slid7%, Solana dropped6%, Dogecoin backed heavily by musk plunged9%, whereas Bitcoin dipped moderately losing approximately three percent overall signaling investor jitters connected partially due ongoing leadership conflicts impacting confidence across sectors reliant upon innovation-driven growth narratives.
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A Revealing Glimpse Into Their Final Joint Appearance:
Tensions surfaced visibly during May30 press event marking conclusion musk tenure heading Department Government Efficiency where mutual praise masked underlying strain manifest notably through musk’s unusual demeanor sparking social media speculation alleging substance influence hours after reports surfaced detailing heavy drug use involving ketamine/ecstasy throughout previous campaigning period alongside trump association rumors.
Additionally noticeable physical marks such black eye attributed humorously yet controversially attributed musk son added further intrigue fueling public curiosity surrounding personal challenges amidst professional turmoil.
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