A once-close alliance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk publicly unraveled Thursday, as the US president expressed “deep disappointment” over Musk’s biting criticism of his tax and spending bill—only for the tech mogul to fire back live on social media.
Speaking from the Oval Office beside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump said his relationship with Musk may be over after the Tesla CEO called the bill an “abomination.” Musk, in real time, accused Trump of “ingratitude” and claimed the president wouldn’t have won the 2024 election without his support.
“I’m very disappointed,” Trump said, accusing Musk of knowing the bill inside out but changing his stance suddenly. The clash came days after a farewell ceremony for Musk, who recently concluded his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
In rapid response, Musk denied having prior access to the bill and suggested the GOP would have lost the election without his $300 million in campaign donations. “Without me, Trump would have lost,” he posted. He later ran a poll asking followers if it was time to start a new political party—most voted yes.
Trump retaliated on Truth Social, claiming he dismissed Musk from his advisory role, revoked his electric vehicle mandate, and threatened to slash his government contracts. “He just went crazy,” Trump wrote.
Adding to the spectacle, Trump recounted Musk’s Oval Office farewell, complete with a black eye the billionaire said came from his son. “You want a little makeup?” Trump recalled asking. “He wants to be who he is.”
Through the drama, Chancellor Merz remained silent—witnessing firsthand the collapse of a high-profile political-tech alliance, with Trump’s controversial spending bill at the heart of the fallout.