Public "Breakup" Trump Confirms No Reconciliation
The public "breakup" between former US President Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk is intensifying. On June 7, Trump stated in a phone interview with NBC that their relationship is over, "I think so, yes," and expressed no intention of reconciling, saying, "I'm too busy; I have a lot to do." He also warned that if Musk funds the Democratic Party, he would face "serious consequences."
War of Words Escalates to Near Personal Attacks
The conflict began with a heated exchange on social media on June 5. Trump called Musk "crazy," to which Musk retorted by accusing Trump of being "ungrateful," claiming "without me, he would have lost the election." Trump was dissatisfied with Musk's "lack of respect for the presidency," stating, "This is extremely disrespectful behavior."
Although Musk has quietly deleted some posts criticizing Trump in an attempt to signal reconciliation, Trump clearly stated he is "not interested," claiming he had given Musk multiple opportunities during his first term, even "saving his life."
Tax Reform Bill as a Trigger Musk's Public Opposition Angers Trump
The immediate trigger for their conflict was the recent passage of a "big and beautiful" tax and spending bill by the House of Representatives. Trump believed Musk was aware of the bill's contents but publicly opposed it at a critical moment, leaving him "extremely disappointed."
According to The Washington Post, Trump even asked advisors if Musk's recent erratic behavior was related to "drug use." The New York Times revealed that Musk frequently used ketamine and carried Adderall (a stimulant) during the election, raising concerns for Trump about his "uncontrolled behavior."
White House "Clean-Up Operation" Begins Allies Asked to Take Sides
Rolling Stone magazine reported that Trump's team is launching a clean-up operation with a "political divorce" stance, urging party donors and conservative allies to choose sides. A senior White House official stated, "If Musk wants to make amends, he must show a level of humility he has never exhibited in his life."
The Republican Party quickly aligned, with some lawmakers openly criticizing Musk. Axios News noted that this once highly influential Silicon Valley magnate now faces a "disgraceful political Waterloo."
The Rift May Affect Political-Business Balance, Democrats Seize Opportunity
The "breakup" between the two has sparked rare tension between Washington and Silicon Valley. Analysts suggest that the Trump-Musk confrontation could weaken cooperation between tech companies and the government, potentially affecting NASA and other space projects.
According to the Financial Times and Lianhe Zaobao, Democrats are trying to reach out to Musk. Democratic Congressman Khanna recently met with Musk's confidants to discuss whether he is willing to support Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections.
Regarding rumors that Musk might turn to the Democratic Party, Trump warned, "If he does that, he will pay the price," without specifying what the "price" would be. Public opinion suggests that Musk's companies, which have extensive contracts with the government, may become a potential bargaining chip.
