Share this @internewscast.com
United States President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk’s once friendly relationship has descended into acrimony as the pair exchange threats and accusations on social media.
The feud puts about US$22 billion ($34 billion) in government contracts held by Musk’s SpaceX at risk, and multiple United States space programs could also face dramatic changes if the dispute escalates.

US media reported there could be signs of a truce. But if they don’t make peace, Musk could look for ways to diminish the president’s authority and “seek revenge,” according to a US politics expert.

How did the Trump-Musk bromance break down?

Trump said in a televised Oval Office diatribe on Thursday (local time) that he was “very disappointed” after his former aide and top donor criticised his “big, beautiful” spending bill before Congress.
The pair then hurled insults at each other on social media.
Musk hit back in real time on his X social media platform, saying the Republican would not have won the 2024 election without him and slamming Trump for “ingratitude”.
The tech billionaire also replied: “Yes,” to a post on X saying Trump should be impeached. Trump’s Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress and are highly unlikely to impeach him.
Musk was the biggest financial supporter of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, donating US$288 million ($442 million).
Trump noted this on Thursday, saying the pair “had a great relationship” but didn’t know if they would anymore.

Trump later called Musk “crazy” and insisted he had asked the tycoon to leave because he was “wearing thin”.

US President Donald Trump handing billionaire Elon Musk a symbolic key.

Elon Musk and Donald Trump in the Oval Office on 30 May, when the president thanked him for leading the Department of Government Efficiency, which is not an official US federal department. Source: AAP, AP / Evan Vucci

The US president Trump suggested hitting the entrepreneur where it hurts, threatening Musk’s multibillion-dollar government contracts including for launching rockets and for the use of the Starlink satellite service.

“The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” Trump said on Truth Social.
Again Musk fired back, with the SpaceX chief saying he would begin “decommissioning” his company’s Dragon spacecraft — vital for ferrying NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station — in response.

He later appeared to walk that back, replying to a user on Twitter: “OK, we won’t decommission Dragon”, though his tone was unclear.

Was the relationship always doomed to fail?

Speculation had long swirled that a relationship between the world’s richest person and its most powerful could not last long — but the speed of the meltdown took Washington by surprise.
Dr John Hart, an emeritus professor at the Australian National University and a specialist in US politics, believes the Trump–Musk relationship, at its core, came down to monetary gain.
“Initially, the relationship was based on money,” Hart told SBS News.

“There were huge contributions that Musk made to Trump’s campaign … it was a phenomenal amount.”

A Falcon 9 SpaceX heavy rocket lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

The feud puts about US$22 billion ($34 billion) in government contracts held by Elon Musk’s SpaceX at risk, and multiple United States space programs could also face dramatic changes if the dispute escalates. Source: AAP

It wasn’t surprising the pair had fallen out, according to Hart, who said such disputes are part of a pattern of a Trump presidency.

Trump parted ways with multiple chiefs of staff, national security advisers and political strategists during his first term in 2017-2021.
“The relationship between Trump and Musk inevitably meant that Musk, the richest guy in the world, was going to have to share the limelight with Trump,” Hart said.

“And Trump’s ego is so great that that was always going to be difficult.”

A truce? Or an ‘explosive’ retaliation?

US media outlets reported on Friday that White House aides had scheduled a phone call between Musk and Trump, but the president said on Friday that he had no plans to speak with Elon Musk.
Addressing reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he wasn’t “thinking about” the Tesla CEO.
He also said a review of Musk’s extensive contracts with the federal government was in order. “We’ll take look at everything,” the president said. “It’s a lot of money.”

Trump may get rid of the red Tesla Model S that he bought in March after showcasing Musk’s electric cars on the White House lawn, a White House official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk speak to reporters in front of a red Model S Tesla vehicle on the South Lawn of the White House.

US President Donald Trump bought a Model S Tesla in March, telling reporters that he hoped the purchase would boost the electric vehicle company’s declining sales. Credit: Pool via AP

Musk, for his part, has not continued to directly address Trump but kept up his criticism of the massive Republican tax and spending bill that contains much of Trump’s domestic agenda.

On his social-media platform X, Musk amplified remarks made by others that Trump’s “big beautiful bill” would hurt Republicans politically and add to the nation’s $36.2 trillion debt.
He replied “exactly” to a post by another X user that said Musk had criticised Congress and Trump had responded by criticising Musk personally.
Musk also declared it was time for a new political party in the United States “to represent the 80% in the middle!”
People who have spoken to Musk said his anger has begun to recede and they think he will want to repair his relationship with Trump, according to one person who has spoken to Musk’s entourage.

Earlier, Musk had signalled a possible détente, writing “you’re not wrong,” in response to billionaire investor Bill Ackman saying Trump and Musk should make peace.

However, if such a peace isn’t reached, the pair could “seek revenge” and undermine the other’s influence, Hart predicted.
But what might revenge look like? Hart said Musk could “hit back” at Trump by supporting his political rivals at the 2026 midterm elections.
Republicans currently hold majorities in both houses of Congress, and Hart said the key way to “rein in Trump’s influence” would be for some seats to flip to the Democrats.
“Money is everything in congressional elections,” he said. “So if Musk holds back support for Republican candidates who support Trump, the results could be explosive.”
And Trump could continue to go after government contracts that benefit Musk’s companies, Hart said.
— With reporting by the Reuters and Agence France-Presse news agencies.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
People brave the early morning ahead of the record-breaking heat at Rose Bay's Redleaf Pool in Sydney.

Sydney Suburbs Sizzle: Record-Breaking Heat and Fierce Winds Fuel Fire Warnings

Sydney has endured its hottest October day on record, with temperatures climbing…
Just one month ago, Jenna Ellen had started her first IVF treatment and was optimistic about starting a family with the love of her life

31-Year-Old Jenna’s Journey: Overlooked Cancer Warning Signs Every Young Woman Should Know

Just a month ago, Jenna Ellen embarked on her first IVF journey,…
James Vlassakis arrives at the Adelaide Magistrates Court.

Attorney-General Demands Urgent Review: Controversial Parole Decision for Infamous Snowtown Killer Under Scrutiny

The South Australian attorney-general has taken steps to challenge the recent decision…
US military kills two people in strike on suspected drug boat in Pacific

US Military Conducts Lethal Strike on Suspected Drug Vessel in Pacific, Two Killed

The United States military executed its eighth operation against a suspected drug-trafficking…

Louvre Security Lapses Blamed for Daring Jewelry Heist, Says Museum Director

The Louvre’s cameras failed to detect burglars in time to prevent their…
According to clinical nutritionist, Gina Urlich, everyday seed oils could be slowly wrecking our health - and they're in everything from fast food takeaways and salad bar dressings to supermarket breads and even so-called 'healthy' snacks

Clinical Nutritionist Reveals the Common Kitchen Staple She Steers Clear Of

Many of us might casually pour a bit of oil into the…

Why Skipping Travel Insurance Could Cost Australians More Than They Think

The Australian government’s official travel advisory service says taking out travel insurance…
New Zealand primary school teacher Jordan Shallcrass revealed her ultimate art class hack in the Ryobi USB Lithium Power Cutter, available for $89 at Bunnings

School Teacher’s Discovery Turns Bunnings Gadget into Must-Have Item: ‘A True Game Changer

A primary school teacher in New Zealand has uncovered a surprising crafting…
Shane Hryhorec has been using a wheelchair for the past 18 years and ran into an ironic and glaring issue at Health and Disability Minister Mark Butler's office in Port Adelaide.

Accessibility Fail: Shocking Barrier Encountered at Disability Minister’s Office

For nearly two decades, Shane Hryhorec has navigated life in a wheelchair,…
Houses in an outer suburb.

Australia’s Property Market Faces $42 Billion Setback: What It Means for Homeowners and Investors

The latest study, unveiled today by the Climate Council in collaboration with…
US sanctions Russian oil, blasts Putin over 'senseless war'

U.S. Targets Russian Oil with Sanctions, Criticizes Putin’s ‘Unnecessary Conflict

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced new sanctions against Russia’s two…
Prince Andrew

UK Prime Minister Supports Investigation into Prince Andrew’s Rent-Free Lease at Royal Lodge

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has thrown his support behind an inquiry…