Feud Between Trump and Musk Intensifies in Public Spotlight

The escalating conflict between President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk erupted into a public spectacle on Thursday, with both figures exchanging sharp criticisms. Their once-strong alliance, a significant force in recent American politics, has fractured following Musk’s outspoken disapproval of Trump’s expansive tax and spending legislation. Trump accused Musk of being afflicted by “Trump derangement syndrome,” claiming his opposition stemmed from the bill’s removal of electric vehicle tax credits. In retaliation, Trump threatened to cut government subsidies and contracts for Musk’s enterprises. Musk, who invested heavily in Trump’s election campaign, countered by calling Trump ungrateful and suggested launching a third political party while endorsing a tweet calling for Trump’s impeachment.

​The feud has rapidly shifted political dynamics, with GOP lawmakers distancing themselves from Musk. Representative Troy Nehls from Texas publicly rebuked Musk, declaring, “You’ve lost your mind,” as he stood outside the Capitol. The public spat, amplified across social media and television, has undermined Musk’s efforts to push Republicans to revise the controversial bill, which he deems financially reckless. Meanwhile, Tesla’s stock plummeted by 14% on Thursday, wiping out approximately £120 billion in market value—the largest single-day drop in the company’s history. Democratic Representative Ro Khanna suggested that his party should seize the opportunity to align with Musk, potentially gaining his financial support to bolster their progressive agenda.

​Prominent figures have weighed in on the rift, with hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman urging reconciliation on X, stating that unity would better serve the nation. Conversely, Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser, called for drastic measures, including using a national security law to seize SpaceX and investigate Musk’s federal contracts. Reflecting on their past, Trump and Musk had shared numerous high-profile moments, from campaign events to a Tesla showcase at the White House earlier this year, where Trump lauded Musk as a “great patriot.” Just last week, Trump symbolically handed Musk a White House key, a gesture now overshadowed by their bitter falling-out.

​SEO Description (30 words): Trump-Musk feud escalates over tax bill, sparking GOP backlash and Tesla stock plunge. Political tensions rise as markets react. Read more on RealisedGains for insights into this billionaire clash.