Trump and Musk’s public feud sends Tesla tumbling
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The fallout begins
Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s unexpected political alliance came to a fiery end, with both men launching personal and professional attacks on each other. What began as a powerful partnership collapsed in a dramatic public spat that stunned Washington and impacted financial markets. (Source: AFP)
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Trump's televised tirade
In a striking Oval Office appearance, Trump expressed deep disappointment in Musk. Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, he recalled their past collaboration and hinted that the relationship had soured due to Musk’s criticism of his flagship spending bill.
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Musk fires back
Elon Musk responded in real time on X (formerly Twitter), accusing Trump of ingratitude and even claiming—without evidence—that Trump’s name appears in Epstein-related government documents. Musk said Trump wouldn’t have won the 2024 election without his support.
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Market reaction
The clash quickly shook markets, with Tesla stock losing over $100 billion in value. Musk escalated matters by threatening to shut down SpaceX's Dragon program—vital for NASA missions—though he later softened his tone in a follow-up tweet.
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Government contracts at risk
Trump retaliated by threatening to strip Musk of his government subsidies and contracts, including those linked to satellite services and space exploration. He presented it as a budget-cutting move, calling Musk’s work increasingly dispensable.
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From allies to enemies
The pair once shared close ties, with Musk sleeping at the White House and joining the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, Musk lasted only four months before growing frustrated with bureaucratic delays and internal clashes.
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The spending bill rift
The breaking point came when Musk labeled Trump’s massive spending bill an “abomination,” citing concerns over the U.S. deficit. The bill was a centerpiece of Trump’s second-term agenda, and Musk’s harsh critique struck a nerve.
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Political aftershocks
Following the public breakup, Musk floated the idea of launching a new political party. A Twitter poll hinted at his willingness to challenge Trump-aligned Republicans and reshape the conservative landscape using his vast personal wealth.
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The bannon bomb
Steve Bannon, a prominent Trump ally and longtime Musk critic, entered the fray by calling for Musk’s deportation. The extreme response signaled just how deeply this rupture could affect conservative politics and the broader GOP coalition.
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A relationship in ruins
Trump and Musk went from frequent collaborators and political power players to bitter rivals in mere hours. Their split has left lingering uncertainty across the political spectrum, the tech world, and the global economy.
(Disclaimer: This slideshow has been sourced from AFP)
(Disclaimer: This slideshow has been sourced from AFP)