Monday, June 23, 2025

Trump and Musk’s Billionaire Fallout: Tech Titan Turns on Former Ally in Explosive Political Feud

A once formidable alliance between U.S. President Donald Trump and tech magnate Elon Musk has imploded, sending shockwaves through both Washington and Silicon Valley. What began as a high-profile partnership between two of the most influential figures in modern American politics and technology has now devolved into a bitter and public feud, played out across their respective social media platforms.

In a dramatic turn of events that unfolded on Thursday, Elon Musk took aim at Trump with a barrage of accusations, including claims that the former president was concealing sensitive information related to Jeffrey Epstein, mishandling the economy, and pushing forward a reckless spending bill that, according to Musk, “could sink the U.S. economy into a recession.”

The public fallout marked a complete reversal from their previous relationship, where Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, had been seen frequently at the White House, occasionally donning a red MAGA hat and participating in high-level policy meetings. At the time, Trump praised Musk as a “genius innovator” and welcomed his input on infrastructure, energy, and economic competitiveness.

But all that camaraderie has since dissolved.

“Trump is betraying the very people who helped elevate him. This spending bill is a disgusting abomination,” Musk wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “We backed him in good faith, and now he’s flushing America’s future down the drain.”

Musk didn’t stop there. In another explosive post, he accused Trump of stonewalling public access to documents involving the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender with deep ties to numerous powerful figures.

“Transparency should not be optional. What are you hiding, Donald?” Musk wrote.

The former president responded in kind, launching a verbal assault during a closed-door Oval Office meeting that was later leaked to the press. According to multiple sources, Trump directed aides to begin reviewing all federal contracts with Musk’s companies, particularly SpaceX and Starlink.

“We’re spending billions on these contracts, and frankly, I think we can do without them,” Trump is quoted as saying. “Elon’s forgotten who helped him win.”

That same day, Tesla stock took a nosedive, tumbling more than 14%. The sharp decline wiped out over $150 billion in market capitalization and reportedly shaved $20 billion off Musk’s personal fortune. The markets reacted to both the political risk now hovering over Musk’s businesses and the perception of instability at the top of his empire.

Despite the financial blow, Musk struck a defiant tone.

“Let him try,” he posted later that evening. “We’re not government puppets. If necessary, SpaceX will pivot away from NASA entirely.”

Industry analysts say such a move would be seismic, given SpaceX’s critical role in the U.S. space program. The company currently handles everything from astronaut transport to satellite launches on behalf of the U.S. government. Walking away from those contracts could not only alter the future of America’s space exploration strategy but also leave a costly vacuum for NASA to fill.

But perhaps the most astonishing moment came when Musk openly suggested that he had been instrumental in Trump’s political resurgence.

“Without my support and funding after the July assassination attempt, Trump wouldn’t have stood a chance,” Musk claimed, referencing a widely publicized incident in which Trump narrowly escaped harm during a campaign rally. In the aftermath, Musk had contributed over $250 million to a pro-Trump political action committee and used his platforms to rally support for the embattled candidate.

The rift between the two titans seems to have reached a point of no return, and political observers are divided on what this means for Trump’s re-election prospects.

“Trump’s alliance with Musk gave him access to a powerful technology network and a level of credibility with younger, tech-savvy voters,” said Darlene Matthews, a political strategist in Washington. “Losing Musk doesn’t just cost him dollars — it could cost him votes.”

Others argue that Musk’s departure from the Trump camp may help the former president distance himself from growing controversies surrounding the tech industry and anti-trust concerns.

“Elon Musk was becoming a lightning rod, and Trump probably realized that association could backfire,” said Jeff Daniels, a former campaign advisor. “This may have been a calculated break.”

Still, the personal nature of the feud has stunned many who witnessed the rise of what was once described as a “billionaire bromance.” It was only months ago that Trump had praised Musk during a speech in Michigan, saying, “Elon is doing a fantastic job. He’s uncovering fraud, he’s creating jobs, and he’s making America great again.”

Now, that admiration has evaporated.

“I’m very disappointed in Elon,” Trump told reporters outside Trump Tower on Friday. “I’ve done a lot for him. A lot.”

Despite being sidelined from federal influence, Musk appears undeterred. Some insiders suggest he may pivot toward supporting an alternative candidate or even mount a political movement of his own. Others speculate he could use his media empire — including X and his growing network of influencers — to launch an independent campaign against what he now views as Washington’s establishment.

For now, though, the saga between Trump and Musk serves as a vivid reminder of how fast allegiances can change in the high-stakes world of American power. What was once a partnership built on mutual ambition has devolved into a clash of titans — with billions, reputations, and perhaps the future of U.S. space exploration hanging in the balance.

As one political insider put it bluntly: “This isn’t just about politics. This is war — billionaire style.”

 

Africa Live News
Africa Live Newshttps://africalivenews.com/
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