Trump vs. Musk: The Unraveling of an Alliance
U.S. power figures in conflict: Trump versus Musk engage in public altercation
The once cozy bond between US President Donald Trump and tech magnate Elon Musk has hit the rocks, and it's getting messy. The disagreement began as a mere skirmish over Trump's tax bill, but it swiftly escalated into a public feud filled with barbs and allegations.
The Taxing Issue
Musk took aim at Trump's fiscal plans, branding the proposed tax cuts as a vile "disgusting abomination" that would send America spiraling towards financial ruin. Budget experts warn that this bill, yet to be approved by the Senate, could elevate the nation's debt to an all-time high, surpassing the staggering $36 trillion mark. Despite these warnings, Trump remains steadfast, labeling the bill his "big, beautiful bill."
Government Purses and Musk's Companies
Trump responded to Musk's criticism by branding him "crazy," and threatened to cut government subsidies and contracts with Musk's businesses, claiming it could save "boatloads of cash." SpaceX, under Musk's leadership, enjoys a close relationship with the US government. In the past, Trump and Musk discussed a potential US mission to Mars.
Space Race Impasse
Following Trump's threats, Musk declared he would temporarily "ground" the Dragon spacecraft. NASA heavily relies on the Dragon capsules to transport astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). The move could be a response to Trump's decision not to appoint Musk's ally, Jared Isaacman, as the new NASA chief, due to his lack of alignment with Trump's "America First" agenda.
Tesla's Plummeting Value
Trump's threat to withdraw government contracts sent Tesla's stock spiraling downwards. On a single Thursday, the stock dropped approximately 14% of its value, obliterating over $100 billion in market capitalization.
Recycled Campus Funds
Musk accused Trump of ingratitude, stating that without his support, Trump would have lost the election. Musk had contributed over $235 million to Trump's campaign, earning him a position as head of the new government efficiency department (Doge). However, Musk resigned from this post at the end of May.
The Epstein Bombshell
Musk dropped a bombshell when he claimed Trump is mentioned in the Epstein files. Musk was referring to the sex scandal involving US billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 for sexually abusing numerous girls and young women. Epstein is alleged to have provided his victims to prominent figures, including Prince Andrew.
Although Trump's name has appeared in released Epstein documents, there has been no evidence of wrongdoing attributed to him. Epstein's silence is deafening, as he passed away in his jail cell in 2019. Officials ruled his death a suicide.
- The disagreement between President Trump and Elon Musk, initially focused on Trump's tax bill, has escalated to encompass policy-and-legislation, including the proposed tax cuts being criticized by Musk as a "disgusting abomination."
- The ongoing feud between Trump and Musk, rooted in politics, has extended to the realm of crime-and-justice, with Musk alleging that Trump's name is mentioned in the Epstein files, referencing the sex scandal involving Jeffrey Epstein.
