Tensions between former U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk escalated this week amid controversy surrounding budget negotiations and public criticisms exchanged between the two high-profile figures.
According to AFP, Trump rejected a request for a call from Musk, choosing instead to focus his attention on passing a crucial budget bill in Congress. A senior White House official confirmed, under anonymity, that while Musk had requested a conversation, “the president does not plan to speak to Musk today.”
The feud has had noticeable ripple effects. Tesla shares plunged over 14% on Thursday, wiping out more than $100 billion from the company’s market value before partially rebounding on Friday. The tension follows Musk’s recent criticism of government inefficiency, which reportedly frustrated Trump and sparked backlash within the administration.
Speaking by phone with U.S. broadcasters, Trump dismissed the conflict, telling CBS that he was “completely” focused on presidential responsibilities and told ABC that the issue with Musk was “behind him.” Yet, in the same breath, he referred to the Tesla and SpaceX CEO as “a man who’s lost his mind.”
Adding symbolic weight to the deteriorating relationship, reports indicate that Trump is considering getting rid of a Tesla vehicle he previously bought in support of Musk during past protests. The electric car remains parked in the White House courtyard, though a senior official said, “He’s thinking about it, yes,” when asked if the vehicle would be sold or donated.
Earlier this year, the two men made headlines when they were photographed together in the Tesla at an unusual event that saw the White House temporarily transformed into a Tesla showcase—a gesture intended to support Musk during public scrutiny of his role as head of the federal efficiency agency.
Despite rising tensions, Musk attempted to de-escalate the situation. After initially threatening to withdraw the Dragon spacecraft, a key NASA transport vehicle, in response to Trump’s threats to cancel government contracts, Musk later posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Okay, we’re not pulling Dragon.”
Still, uncertainty remains over the future of their relationship, which has reportedly strained internal dynamics in the White House. Peter Navarro, Trump’s former trade adviser—whom Musk once mocked as being “dumber than a bag of bricks”—offered a blunt remark when asked about the situation: “People come and go to the White House.”
As the standoff continues, both Trump’s political leverage and Musk’s access to lucrative government partnerships may hang in the balance.
