The relationship between President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk has taken a dramatic turn, with Trump openly referring to Musk as “the man who has lost his mind” following a public dispute over policy differences and personal attacks.
In the aftermath of their growing feud, the Tesla car that Trump had purchased earlier this year as a symbol of his support for Musk has become a point of contention. A senior White House official revealed that Trump is now considering selling or gifting the Tesla vehicle, a move that further illustrates the deepening rift between the two influential figures.
The story of this strained relationship began earlier this year, when Trump made headlines by purchasing a Tesla vehicle in an effort to demonstrate his support for Musk. At the time, Musk, the CEO of both Tesla and SpaceX, was facing widespread criticism over his role in the White House's plans to cut federal workforce numbers, a move that drew both praise and backlash from various political factions.
In March, Trump hailed the Tesla purchase as a symbol of his backing for Musk and criticized the progressive left for attacking the billionaire, who had long been an ally. This public endorsement was seen as an effort to align himself with Musk’s technological and business ventures, especially given Musk’s prominence in the electric vehicle and space industries.
Trump went on to praise the Tesla as a “great product” and expressed his admiration for Musk’s achievements. However, just a few months later, this once-strong alliance began to unravel after Musk’s vocal criticism of Trump’s economic policies, particularly his spending bill, which Musk called a “disgusting abomination.”
The rift deepened when Musk publicly accused Trump of being incapable of winning the 2024 election without his backing and even linked the president to the scandal surrounding financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Despite the growing tension, Trump had made it clear that he was not interested in engaging in a public confrontation with Musk, at least not initially. However, as the dispute continued to escalate, Trump’s feelings toward Musk became more overt.
The president’s response to Musk’s criticism was sharp and personal. In a phone interview with ABC News on June 6, 2025, Trump dismissed Musk as “the guy who has lost his mind” and expressed a lack of interest in having a conversation with him at the present moment.
Trump’s dismissive tone marked a significant shift in their relationship, from one of mutual support to outright public derision. The Tesla vehicle that Trump had purchased earlier this year now stands as a symbol of the unraveling relationship between the two.
As of June 6, 2025, the car, a red Tesla valued at approximately $80,000, remains parked at the White House, serving as an uncomfortable reminder of the alliance that once existed between Trump and Musk.
According to a senior White House official, Trump is seriously considering selling or gifting the vehicle as a way of distancing himself from Musk. This move comes after Musk’s continued public attacks on Trump’s policies and leadership, and it underscores the personal and political fallout that has resulted from their bitter feud.
The rift between Trump and Musk has not been without consequences. Tesla’s stock took a massive hit on June 5, 2025, dropping by more than 14% in a single day, resulting in a staggering $100 billion loss in market value.
The drop in Tesla’s stock price reflects the growing uncertainty surrounding Musk’s leadership, particularly given his political entanglements and the ongoing feud with Trump. While the stock did see a slight rebound in the following trading session, the damage had already been done.
The decline in Tesla’s market value has raised questions about the long-term stability of Musk’s companies, especially as the political landscape becomes more volatile and uncertain.
Musk’s criticism of Trump’s policies, particularly the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which he claims will increase the federal deficit, is at the heart of the dispute. The bill, which Trump pushed through the House of Representatives in a narrow vote, includes provisions that would reduce tax incentives for electric vehicles—something Musk sees as detrimental to Tesla’s business model.
Musk has been vocal in his opposition to the bill, labeling it a “disgusting abomination” and urging the American public to rally against it. The fallout from this public criticism has had a significant impact on the relationship between the two men, with Trump now considering actions that could undermine Musk’s business interests.
Trump’s response to Musk’s comments was swift and personal. In an interview, Trump suggested that Musk was upset because the bill would cut the electric vehicle mandate, which he argued was an essential component of the EV market.
Trump also claimed that Musk’s criticism of the bill was part of a larger pattern of behavior that suggested Musk was struggling to deal with the changes happening in Washington.
Trump, who had previously been supportive of Musk’s endeavors, now appears to be turning against the billionaire in response to his public attacks on the administration’s policies.
The political fallout from this feud has extended beyond the two men and has created a larger public spectacle that is impacting both Musk’s business and his reputation. For Trump, the conflict with Musk represents a challenge to his efforts to advance his political agenda and secure support from the tech and business communities.
For Musk, the feud has cast a shadow over his leadership of Tesla and SpaceX, raising questions about his ability to maintain control over his companies amidst the growing political tensions.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Trump has continued to focus on his legislative priorities, including the passage of his economic bill. In a press briefing, Trump defended the bill and expressed confidence that it would ultimately benefit the American people.
He also reiterated his belief that the electric vehicle mandate was unnecessary and that the proposed cuts to EV tax credits were justified. Trump’s comments, however, were met with further criticism from Musk, who remains steadfast in his opposition to the bill and its potential impact on the future of Tesla and the electric vehicle industry.
As the feud between Trump and Musk intensifies, the future of their relationship remains uncertain. While both men have indicated that they are not interested in reconciliation at this time, the political and business consequences of their public conflict are likely to have long-lasting effects.
Musk’s personal wealth has already taken a hit, and Tesla’s stock price remains volatile. Whether or not Trump and Musk can find a way to mend their differences will depend on how the political landscape evolves in the coming months and whether the two men can reconcile their differing views on economic policy and the future of the electric vehicle market.
In conclusion, the feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump has escalated to unprecedented levels, with both men exchanging harsh words and taking personal jabs at each other. The fallout from their dispute has already had significant financial consequences, with Tesla losing $100 billion in market value in a single day.
The public nature of the conflict has placed both Musk and Trump under intense scrutiny, with their political and business futures now uncertain. As the drama continues to unfold, the implications for both men’s companies and their broader influence on the political and business worlds remain to be seen.
