Trump and Elon Musk: From Alliance to Fallout
President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk were once seen as the most influential alliance in American politics and business during the 2020s. However, in 2025, their relationship ended dramatically, drawing global attention. This article examines how their alliance formed, what caused the fallout, and what political and economic impacts it may bring to the United States[1][2][3].
📌 1. Beginning of the Alliance
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Trump and Musk forged ties during the 2024 election. Musk emerged as a major donor to Trump’s reelection campaign and played a key role in securing public support[4][5].
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In return, Trump appointed Musk as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where Musk led initiatives such as federal spending cuts and digital transformation[4][2].
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Despite policy differences, the two publicly praised each other and symbolized a new coalition between “Tech Conservatives” and the “MAGA populist right”[6][2].
⚠️ 2. The Conflict Begins: Tax Bill and Policy Clash
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The 2025 tax bill titled One Big Beautiful Bill Act, pushed by Trump, was the first trigger of their conflict[3][7].
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The bill drastically cut budgets for technology development and EV subsidies, which Musk fiercely opposed[2][8].
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Musk called the bill “a disgusting and repulsive monster” on his SNS (X), while Trump retorted that Musk had “insulted the presidency”[1][8].
🧨 3. Personnel Clash and Breakdown of Trust
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Trump withdrew the nomination of Jared Isaacman for NASA Administrator—a recommendation from Musk[2][9].
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Trump cited Isaacman’s past donations to the Democratic Party. Musk countered that Isaacman had donated to both parties, but Trump rejected the explanation[2][10].
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This incident dealt a severe blow to Musk’s pride and led to the breakdown of his ties with the White House[2][10].
🔥 4. Public Breakup and Mutual Attacks
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In an NBC interview, Trump officially stated, “My relationship with Musk is over. I have no intention of speaking to him”[1][3].
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Musk warned that he would stop political donations to GOP members supporting the tax bill, asserting that his support was crucial to Trump’s reelection[5][7].
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Tensions escalated when Musk posted—then deleted—a tweet suggesting Trump had ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein[1][2].
🗳️ 5. Third Party Hints and Political Shockwaves
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Musk hinted at founding a third party, saying “80% of moderates deserve a new political home”[2][11][12].
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Figures like Andrew Yang and other third-party advocates showed interest in aligning with Musk, suggesting a possible realignment of U.S. politics[13][14][12].
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Musk’s independent political move could influence both the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election[2][11].
✅ Conclusion
The Trump–Musk alliance once symbolized a fusion of political power and technological influence. But differences in policy, personnel issues, and public feuding led to an irreparable split[1][2][3]. Musk’s third-party initiative could disrupt the U.S. two-party system, positioning him as a pivotal force in reshaping America’s political future[2][11][12].
References
[1] https://www.chosun.com/international/international_general/2025/06/08/HEOXMMM3AZFI7HSIPS6DQKG5HE/
[2] https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/international/america/1201583.html
[3] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9wg240q0plo
[4] https://www.chosun.com/international/international_general/2025/06/08/S5NKWMRBJZF2PGOLCXLLGM72GI/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-sLjqe9HVM
[6] https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20240809051100009
[7] https://www.businessinsider.com/a-timeline-of-how-elon-musks-relationship-with-trump-imploded-2025-6
[8] https://www.chosun.com/international/international_general/2025/06/04/HVBEIM5AM5BCFNGEUNCE7I4Z5M/
[9] https://news.nate.com/view/20250601n14460
[10] https://www.khan.co.kr/article/202506051203001
[11] https://www.g-enews.com/article/Global-Biz/2025/06/2025061422133872609a1f309431_1
[12] https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250608039900009
[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrGtsF9d7mU
[14] https://www.mk.co.kr/economy/view.php?sc=50000001&year=2025&no=406765
[15] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdNRQ9auJ7Y
[16] https://www.bbc.com/korean/articles/c3084n2lq2qo
[17] https://www.bbc.com/korean/articles/cx2x12jjvydo
[18] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTFWhKrjMRs
[19] https://www.g-enews.com/article/Global-Biz/2025/06/2025060809324185859a1f309431_1
