Today's News: A Public Breakdown of the Trump-Musk Political Alliance

Sparked by Musk’s opposition to Trump’s sweeping domestic spending bill, the dispute quickly escalated into accusations, policy threats, and even Epstein-related conspiracy allegations.

Terrence Dorsey

Jun 06, 2025

Photo: Haiyun Jiang for The New York Times

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Date: June 5, 2025
Topic: Public Breakdown of the Trump-Musk Political Alliance
Summary: A highly public and personal feud has erupted between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, ending a previously close alliance that blended political influence, personal camaraderie, and financial collaboration. Sparked by Musk’s opposition to Trump’s sweeping domestic spending bill, the dispute quickly escalated into accusations, policy threats, and even Epstein-related conspiracy allegations. The fallout threatens Musk’s business interests, Trump's legislative agenda, and GOP unity as both figures exchange attacks across their personal platforms. Allies, investors, and political operatives are now scrambling to recalibrate as the rift opens new political and economic fault lines.

Sources

Key Points

The falling out was triggered by Musk’s fierce opposition to Trump’s signature legislative bill, particularly its impact on EV subsidies.
Musk accused Trump of ingratitude and made incendiary claims about Trump’s connection to Epstein, while Trump threatened to revoke Musk’s federal contracts.
Both men used their personal platforms (X and Truth Social) to broadcast attacks, bypassing traditional media.
Musk’s financial support in 2024 was substantial, with CNN citing a $290M contribution; Trump’s campaign relied heavily on Musk’s resources and political operation.
The split reveals underlying tensions between tech elites and MAGA populists over government reform, spending, and influence.

Unique Highlights

CNN detailed Musk’s America PAC efforts, including a $97M canvassing push and $1M voter giveaways.
NBC News emphasized Musk’s role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Tesla’s 20% stock drop year-to-date.
The Washington Post reported Tesla’s 14% stock drop that day and quoted allies framing the conflict as part of a broader ideological rift.
Fox News focused on Musk’s Epstein claims and noted the administration’s response that the documents revealed nothing new.
The Wall Street Journal included reactions from Steve Bannon (calling for SpaceX seizure and deportation) and highlighted the GOP’s quick distancing from Musk.
The New York Times offered a satirical, dramatized portrayal and highlighted social media commentary like “THE GIRLS ARE FIGHTING.”

Contrasting Details

CNN credits Musk with being instrumental to Trump’s win; NBC News tempers this by noting Musk’s tactics failed in later races.
Fox News and The Washington Post differ on the implications of the Epstein files: Fox News presents Musk’s claims uncritically, while The Washington Post stresses a lack of evidence and political motivation.
NBC News quotes Trump saying Musk was fired; The New York Times portrays the separation as more mutual, though emotionally charged.
The Wall Street Journal reports GOP members turning on Musk rapidly, while The Washington Post highlights political ambivalence and internal conflict among Trump allies.

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