On June 7, 2025, NBC News and The Washington Post reported that President Donald Trump declared his relationship with billionaire Elon Musk “over,” escalating their public feud with a threat of “serious consequences” if Musk funds Democratic candidates opposing Republicans who support Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” In a phone interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Trump accused Musk of disrespecting the presidency and stated, “I have no intention of speaking to him,” signaling an irreparable rift. Trump further claimed he was “too busy” to reconcile, citing his focus on other priorities following his landslide election victory.
The Washington Post detailed that Trump, rattled by Musk’s attacks, privately called him a “big-time drug addict” in conversations with confidants, referencing Musk’s reported heavy ketamine use during the 2024 campaign, which allegedly affected his health. These claims echo a New York Times report from May 31, 2025, alleging Musk’s frequent use of ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms, though unconfirmed by NBC. Trump’s insults mark a shift from his usual social media barbs, with sources indicating he adopted a more discreet approach to avoid further escalation.
The feud intensified after Musk criticized Trump’s tax and spending bill as a “disgusting abomination” that would balloon the national debt by $2.4 trillion over a decade, per the Congressional Budget Office. Musk, who spent over $275 million supporting Trump’s 2024 campaign, also deleted posts accusing Trump of ties to Jeffrey Epstein and endorsing his impeachment, actions that fueled Trump’s ire. Trump retaliated by threatening to cancel Musk’s federal contracts, including those with SpaceX, prompting NASA and the Pentagon to explore alternatives, according to The Washington Post.
Vice President JD Vance, on Theo Von’s podcast, called Musk’s attacks a “huge mistake” but downplayed them as emotional outbursts, expressing hope for reconciliation. However, Trump’s allies, like Steve Bannon, urged investigations into Musk’s immigration status and business dealings. House Speaker Mike Johnson, while texting Musk to resolve the dispute, defended the legislative process, urging Musk not to interfere. Democrats, like Rep. Dan Goldman, seized on Musk’s Epstein claims to demand the release of related files, alleging a cover-up by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The public spat, unfolding on X and Truth Social, has left Republicans scrambling to maintain unity ahead of the 2026 midterms. Musk’s suggestion of a new centrist party and his financial clout pose risks to GOP cohesion, while Trump’s threats highlight the fragility of their once-close alliance.
