Just a week ago, US President Donald Trump praised Elon Musk as “one of the greatest business leaders and innovators the world has ever produced.” Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump thanked Musk for his work heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), saying, “Elon has worked tirelessly helping lead the most sweeping and consequential government reform programme in generations.”In return, Musk said he would remain “a friend and adviser to the president” and complimented the Oval Office’s décor: “The Oval Office finally has the majesty that it deserves thanks to the president.”It was a warm send-off. But the harmony wouldn’t last long.Also Read: 'Trump is in the Epstein files': Elon Musk levels allegations against US Prez, calls for impeachmentMusk attacks Trump’s budget billDays later, Musk openly criticised Trump’s signature tax and spending bill—dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill”—on social media. “This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination,” he wrote on X. “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong.”While Musk avoided naming Trump directly at first, he made his intent clear: “In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people.” The post gained traction, and Musk doubled down the next day by sharing memes slamming the bill’s projected impact on the national debt.Also Read: 'Without me, Trump would have lost election': Elon Musk launches all-out attack on US PresidentTrump breaks silence, then fires backInitially silent, Trump soon responded with stinging remarks during a press conference alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. “Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore,” he said, noting his surprise at Musk’s outburst.The fallout was swift. Trump accused Musk of being upset over cancelled electric vehicle subsidies, saying: “Elon was ‘wearing thin,’ I asked him to leave... The easiest way to save money in our Budget... is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts.”Musk escalates: Epstein allegations surfaceMusk then launched an explosive allegation: “Time to drop the really big bomb: Trump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!” He suggested that Trump was being shielded from scrutiny and even supported a user post calling for Trump’s impeachment, replying simply, “Yes.”These claims came just minutes after Trump floated the idea of cancelling government contracts with Tesla and SpaceX. In response, Musk posted: “In light of the President’s statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately.”Also Read: Trump says 'very disappointed' with Elon Musk after billionaire's ire over President's ‘big beautiful bill’Tesla shares plunge amid public feudMarkets reacted sharply. Tesla’s stock closed down 14.6% on Thursday, erasing over $100 billion in market value. Analysts pointed to investor uncertainty over Musk’s political involvement and the future of federal support for his ventures.Meanwhile, Trump told reporters Musk had “gone crazy” and repeated accusations that Musk pushed a Democrat for the NASA top job—a request Trump rejected. “We won. We get certain privileges,” he said.Musk swiftly countered, calling Trump’s remarks false: “This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!”He accused Trump of ingratitude, writing, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate.”Trump expressed personal disappointment: “Elon endorsed me very strongly… But I’m very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this (tax) bill better than almost anybody sitting here.” He hinted that Musk only turned on him after the electric vehicle subsidy rollback.Trump’s frustration was clear: “I’ve helped Elon a lot…”New party, new Musk?Musk ended the day with a poll asking if America needed a new political party “that actually represents the 80% in the middle.” The post hinted at a potential political pivot—and a public divorce from Trump’s brand of Republicanism.What began as a mutually beneficial relationship—with Musk helping shape policy and Trump gaining tech-world legitimacy—has collapsed in spectacular fashion. Their fallout reveals deep fractures in how political influence, business interests, and personal ego play out in public view.One week they were allies. The next, adversaries. And for now, there’s no sign of reconciliation.(With inputs from Agencies)
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