US President Donald Trump has declared that the ‘easiest way’ for the government to save billions of dollars is to terminate contracts and subsidies awarded to billionaire entrepreneur and former adviser Elon Musk.
The escalating dispute between the President and the world’s richest man unfolded in a series of public exchanges this week.
On Thursday, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts.”
He added his surprise that President Biden had not already taken such action.
The tension escalated after Musk criticised Trump for ‘ingratitude’, claiming he would have lost the election without Musk’s financial backing.
The billionaire donated more than $250 million to support Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Trump responded by saying he had asked Musk to leave the White House, accusing the Tesla CEO of ‘going crazy’ after the President revoked an electric vehicle mandate.
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Trump insisted during a press conference that Musk opposed his ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ because the electric vehicle incentive was removed.
He also questioned whether their friendship would survive the dispute.
Musk did not deny the claims but labelled the retention of oil and gas subsidies within the bill ‘very unfair’.
Furthermore, Musk claimed the legislation was passed hastily and without proper review.
Their fallout is notable given the closeness the two once shared. Musk first backed Trump’s candidacy shortly after the 2023 assassination attempt on the then-presidential candidate.
He became a frequent adviser, accompanying Trump at rallies and even joining Cabinet meetings.
Musk stayed at the White House’s Lincoln Bedroom by Trump’s invitation and travelled with the President on Air Force One.
However, their alliance deteriorated sharply in recent weeks, with Musk publicly criticising Trump’s flagship tax cuts and spending plans.
Musk described the legislation as a ‘disgusting abomination’ that would worsen the federal deficit.
Meanwhile, Trump expressed disappointment in Musk’s attacks, highlighting the support he had provided the billionaire.
Trump dismissed Musk’s campaign contributions and voter outreach efforts, including a $1 million-a-day sweepstakes in Pennsylvania, suggesting Musk’s support would no longer be so forthcoming.
Analysts see this split as a significant moment, given Musk’s previous standing as a major Republican donor.
The contentious ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ promises trillions in tax cuts and spending reductions but will increase the federal deficit by $2.4 trillion over ten years.
It could also leave nearly 11 million more Americans without health insurance, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
As the public feud between Trump and Musk intensifies, it underscores the fragile nature of political alliances shaped by money, power, and policy disagreements.
Whether their relationship can be salvaged remains uncertain, but the spectacle of their falling out continues to capture widespread attention.
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