In a dramatic escalation of tensions, tech billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump have engaged in a public feud that has captivated global attention. On June 5, 2025, Musk, the former head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), declared on X that Trump would have lost the 2024 election without his support, stating, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Such ingratitude.” This bold claim followed Musk’s vocal criticism of Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” a multi-trillion-dollar tax-and-spending package Musk called a “disgusting abomination” for its impact on the national deficit.
Musk fired back, denying he was shown the bill and alleging it was rushed through Congress. He escalated further with a provocative claim: “Trump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!” This unverified accusation, referencing Jeffrey Epstein’s controversial client list, sent shockwaves online.
The fallout threatens Musk’s business empire, with Tesla’s stock dropping over 20% this year, partly due to backlash from his political stance. SpaceX’s government contracts, including the Dragon spacecraft, are also at risk, with Musk hinting at decommissioning it. The public spat, described as “frightening, fascinating, and shocking,” underscores the unraveling of a once-close alliance, with potential consequences for U.S. politics and Musk’s ventures.
