A sharp political clash unfolded this week between former allies Donald Trump and Elon Musk, centered around the former president’s sweeping tax and domestic policy proposal. The dispute played out both online and within political circles in Washington.
The friction intensified on Tuesday after Musk harshly criticized the legislation—referred to by Trump as his signature achievement—calling it a «disgusting abomination,» a remark that caught many Republican leaders off guard.
The situation escalated further on Thursday, when Musk circulated older statements from Trump and other GOP lawmakers that voiced alarm over rising government spending and the national deficit.
By late Thursday and into Friday morning, figures close to both Trump and Musk had joined the public back-and-forth. Trump reportedly even considered cutting off federal contracts with Musk’s companies in response.
Today, the Republican was asked by ABC News whether he planned to speak with the billionaire. «You mean the man who has lost his mind?» he replied, adding that he was «not particularly» interested in talking to him at the moment.
The fallout marks a rapid deterioration in what was once a close alliance. Until recently, Musk had been a vocal supporter of Trump and a frequent presence at the White House. Just last week, during an event marking the end of his formal advisory role, Musk had referred to himself as a continuing “friend and advisor” to the administration.
