Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his disappointment in Tesla CEO Elon Musk, further intensifying a public feud that now threatens both political and business interests.
Speaking during a closed-door White House meeting, Trump criticized Musk for reversing his stance on a Republican tax and spending bill that includes significant changes to electric vehicle (EV) subsidies.
“I’m very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here,” Trump said. “He had no problem with it. He only started complaining when it affected his business.”
The proposed legislation would slash federal incentives for EVs, a move that could directly impact Tesla’s bottom line. Trump insinuated that Musk’s opposition was not ideological, but motivated by self-interest once he realized the bill’s implications for his company.
Musk Fires Back With Explosive Epstein Allegation
Musk responded to the criticism by escalating the feud online. In a controversial post on X (formerly Twitter), he accused Trump of being named in the unreleased Jeffrey Epstein files, claiming this was the real reason the documents remain sealed.
“Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public,” Musk wrote, though he provided no supporting evidence.
The explosive allegation has triggered a wave of speculation and drawn renewed attention to Epstein’s connections with global elites. As of now, no public record or court document has confirmed Musk’s claim.
Fallout Hits Tesla
The ongoing public spat has had tangible consequences. Tesla’s stock has fallen sharply, stripping the automaker of its spot in the $1 trillion market capitalization club. Market analysts suggest investor concerns over political backlash and reduced subsidies are contributing to the sell-off.
Fragile Alliance Exposed
Once seen as ideological allies—especially on free speech and deregulation—Trump and Musk’s relationship has rapidly soured. The feud highlights the volatility of alliances between political leaders and tech titans when policy decisions collide with corporate interests.
With the 2024 U.S. presidential race and legislative agendas heating up, this clash may have broader implications for both the Republican Party’s economic strategy and Silicon Valley’s political influence.
