The Breakup: Musk's Growing Disdain for Trump's Policies
Trump appears to be growing increasingly frustrated with Musk.
It seems the bromance between Elon Musk and Donald Trump is gone with the wind. According to the "Wall Street Journal", Trump's not exactly thrilled with Musk's crusade against his tax and spending bill - aka the "Big Beautiful Bill." Word on the street is that a high-ranking White House official isn't feeling the musical "Rent" vibe anymore.
Economy and the Bromance's DemiseMusk's sudden, harsh criticism has left Trump scratching his head. After collaborating for four months, Musk's unexpected Candyman-esque transformation has left Trump's advisors shook. This transformation followed Musk's service as the head of the government department for state efficiency (Doge) post Trump's inauguration, where his strict cuts in US agencies stirred up some commotion.
NASA's Top Job: Just Another Casualty
The tension between the two has only grown after the withdrawal of Jared Isaacman's nomination for the top job at NASA. Musk played a part in advocating for Isaacman, who had ties to Musk's space company SpaceX. SpaceX regularly gets its hands dirty with NASA contracts.
Politics and the Nomination FiascoIt looks like Isaacman won't be the NASA chief after all. Musk expressed his disappointment, claiming Isaacman was a "rare find" with both brains and a heart of gold. Musk vented to his pals over the weekend, claiming he had fattened Trump's campaign war chest with millions, only to be freshly served with Isaacman's nomination withdrawal. The historian in Musk believes this led to a redoubled critique of the tax bill, causing a ruckus among his circle.
"Disgusting Abomination"
Musk has been on a rampage this week, slamming Trump's tax bill left and right. He warned congressional members to avoid voting for this bill like it's a Benedict Arnolds, or they'll face the same fate in the November 2026 midterms. Musk alleges this bill will swell the budget deficit and increase the national debt, all while setting up the poor for a gut punch through Medicaid and food assistance cuts.
On Wednesday, Musk ramped up his crusade against the bill by urging his army of over 200 million Twitter followers to bombard senators and representatives with a clear message: "KILL THE BILL." Trump didn't waste any time responding, airing a photo of Musk's farewell message on his Truth Social account with a deafening silence.
Trump's Law Proposal: A Mixed BagTrump's tax proposal includes extending tax cuts from 2017 and some other goodies. However, it also targets significant Medicaid and food assistance cuts to poor families. Despite concerns, even from fellow Republicans, Trump is aiming to push the Senate to pass the bill by Independence Day: July 4th. The House of Representatives has already signed off on the 1116-page bill.
White House Staff: Trump Can Forgive, but He Never Forgets
In response to inquiries about Trump and Musk's relationship, a White House staffer informed the "Wall Street Journal" it's too early to tell. While Trump's fond of forgiveness, he's got a long memory and isn't likely to forget the sting of these insults.
Politics: Musk's Sour GrapesEven before Musk's escalated attacks on Trump's tax law, insiders had voiced concerns that Musk's exit from the White House would give him the freedom to express critical opinions. Some government officials even encouraged lawmakers to shower Musk with praise, hoping a few soft words might soothe his ruffled feathers.
- The Commission, which has been consulted on the draft directive, has expressed concerns about the potential impact of Trump's tax bill on finance, business, technology, and general-news sectors.
- Musk's criticism of Trump's tax bill has not only affected their personal relationship but also extends to the business world, with Musk's SpaceX having contracts with NASA that could be impacted by the bill's proposed cuts.
- In the realm of politics, Musk's open opposition to Trump's tax proposal has not only earned him the moniker of a "rare find" from fellow billionaire Jared Isaacman but also escalated public debates about the bill's potential consequences for various sectors, including finance, business, technology, and general news.
