The Breakup: Musk vs. Trump's Tax Bill Spells Trouble
Trump appears to be growing frustrated with Musk.
The bromance between tech whiz Elon Musk and President Donald Trump seems to be a thing of the past. According to reports from the "Wall Street Journal", Trump is far from impressed with Musk's crusade against his tax and spending bill, affectionately known as "The Big Beautiful Bill". A high-ranking White House official confirmed the President's displeasure.
Economic Differences Afoot
Trump is reportedly perplexed about Musk's sudden escalation of criticism, especially since the two have been working closely together for four months. Even some of Trump's closest advisors were taken aback by Musk's latest broadside. After serving as the head of the Government Department for State Efficiency (Doge) following Trump's inauguration, Musk was booted off duty at the end of May due to severe cuts in various US agencies.
NASA Nominee Withdrawal
The already tense relationship seems to have taken a further blow with the withdrawal of Jared Isaacman's nomination for the top spot at NASA. Musk had been an advocate for Isaacman's appointment, as Isaacman has ties to Musk's space company, SpaceX. Besides regularly securing contracts from NASA, SpaceX also participated in Isaacman's private space flight.
"Disgusting Abomination"
Musk didn't hold back when it came to expressing his disdain for Trump's tax bill, labeling it a "disgusting abomination" and warning lawmakers that supporting it would prove detrimental in the midterm elections in 2026. He argued that the bill would exacerbate the budget deficit and increase the national debt.
On Wednesday afternoon, Musk amplified his campaign, urging his 200 million followers to reach out to Congress members, imploring them to reject the bill. Trump, in turn, shared Musk's departure message on Truth Social without comment.
In essence, Trump's bill intends to permanently maintain the tax cuts from 2017, but to offset this, significant cuts to healthcare programs like Medicaid are planned alongside reductions in food assistance for the underprivileged. Despite concerns within his own party, Trump is pressuring the Senate to pass the bill by Independence Day on July 4th. The 1116-page bill has already been accepted in the House of Representatives.
White House Staffer: Trump Holds Grudges
As for whether Trump and Musk still share a strong bond, a White House staffer told the "Wall Street Journal" that it's too early to tell. While Trump might forgive, he doesn't forget insults like these.
Trump's Unhappiness with Musk
Even before Musk's intensified attacks on Trump's tax bill, there were concerns that Musk would be freer to voice his dissent post-White House. Some government officials reportedly encouraged Capitol Hill lawmakers to post positively on social media and thank Musk for his service, hoping this would appease his criticism.
From unleashing heated criticisms to allegations without evidence, the relationship between these two once dynamic figures has turned sour. The political divide has left a trail of consequences, including a significant hit on Tesla stock price and a substantial decrease in Musk's net worth.
The Commission, given its involvement in the draft directive, may find itself consulting on the political implications surrounding Elon Musk's vocal criticism of President Trump's tax bill, which unfolds as a general-news issue in the White House. Trump, known for holding grudges, remains unimpressed with Musk's decision to publically label his tax bill as a "disgusting abomination."
