The bromance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has combusted in spectacular fashion, and the internet is watching every second of the wreckage.
Two of the world’s most powerful – and unpredictable – men have turned a smouldering policy disagreement into a full-scale public brawl that threatens political alliances, economic markets and perhaps the future of the American right.
The split began with Musk’s vocal opposition to Trump’s flagship tax and spending bill. Musk claimed it was “a mountain of disgusting pork,” while Trump labelled the Tesla boss “crazy” and accused him of lobbying for subsidies under the guise of patriotism.
Trump retaliation
Trump’s retaliatory threat was swift: terminate Elon’s billions in federal contracts. “I was always surprised that Biden didn’t do it!” he posted. SpaceX, which shuttles NASA astronauts, found itself at the centre of this political storm.
Tit for tat
In a move that would have sounded like satire a year ago, Musk fired back by threatening to pull SpaceX’s Dragon capsule – used by NASA – from service. He then dropped what he called “the really big bomb”: an accusation that Trump appears in the Epstein files and that this is why the documents remain sealed.
Set up a new party?
The political implications exploded across the web. Musk suggested Trump be impeached and replaced by JD Vance. He also floated the idea of founding a new centrist party, implicitly positioning himself as a political disruptor in the Trumpian mould but without the MAGA baggage.
This isn’t just a Silicon Valley spat; it’s a cultural flashpoint. Musk, once an ally who poured over $250 million into Trump’s re-election, has torched the bridge he built. His suggestion that “without me, Trump would have lost” reflects a billionaire’s bruised ego and his desire to write history from a place of wounded loyalty.
White House eager to dial down the heat
Trump, for his part, remains characteristically dismissive. “It’s going very well,” he said, when asked about the feud, before pivoting to polling numbers. But insiders reveal his team is scrambling. The White House is reportedly working to de-escalate the conflict, even scheduling a Friday call with Musk to make peace.
Tesla stock down
Behind the noise, serious risks are emerging. Tesla’s stock plummeted nearly 14% in one day, wiping $150 billion from its value. Trump’s signature legislation now risks being derailed by the fallout. And Republicans find themselves awkwardly balancing loyalty to Trump against the long-term economic leverage of Musk.
A very public spat
In the end, this is more than a clash of titans. It’s a reflection of an era when power is measured in followers and feuds are fought in public threads. The real question: in a battle between the algorithm and the Oval Office, who wins?
Who knows where this ends?
At time of writing, the answer is anyone’s guess. But one thing is certain – this is no longer just a feud. It’s a fracture. And America is watching it split down the middle.
