President Donald Trump’s consideration of selling his red Tesla Model S, purchased in March 2025 as a gesture of support for Elon Musk, has become a focal point in the escalating feud between the two influential figures. This public fallout, sparked by disagreements over a controversial tax bill, has spiraled into personal attacks, economic tremors, and political uncertainty. This article delves into the origins of the rift, its intensification, and the broader implications of Trump’s potential Tesla divestment.
Origins of the Conflict
The rift began when Musk, who recently resigned as a special government employee leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), criticized Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” on X on June 2, 2025, calling it a deficit-inflating “disgusting abomination.” Trump, who had hailed Musk as an ally, responded on June 5, accusing Musk of hypocrisy for opposing the bill only after electric vehicle (EV) incentives were removed. The president’s revelation that he was considering selling his Tesla Model S, a symbol of their former alliance, added a personal dimension to the dispute, signaling a deepening divide.
Escalation and Public Barbs
The feud quickly intensified as both men aired their grievances online. Trump, posting on Truth Social, called Musk “the man who has lost his mind” and threatened to cancel government contracts with Musk’s companies, including SpaceX and Starlink. Musk retaliated on X, claiming Trump’s 2024 election victory depended on his support and alleging Trump’s name appeared in Jeffrey Epstein’s files—a claim the White House dismissed. Musk’s brief threat to decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, later withdrawn, underscored the feud’s volatility. Trump’s potential Tesla sale, reported by The Wall Street Journal on June 6, 2025, further inflamed tensions, with Musk mocking the decision as petty.
Economic and Political Ramifications
Trump’s threat to sell his Tesla has contributed to significant market turbulence. Tesla’s stock plummeted, with Musk’s net worth reportedly dropping $33 billion in a single day, as investors braced for potential regulatory crackdowns and lost government contracts. The feud has also strained the Republican Party, with lawmakers navigating loyalty to Trump and Musk’s financial influence. Internationally, the conflict has drawn scrutiny, with Russian officials reportedly ridiculing the chaos in Washington. Trump’s Tesla sell-off consideration, while symbolic, risks further destabilizing investor confidence in Musk’s enterprises.
Future Implications
As of June 6, 2025, Trump has shown little interest in reconciliation, telling ABC News he is “not particularly” focused on speaking with Musk. The president’s potential Tesla sale could mark a definitive end to their alliance, with ripple effects across politics and industry. Whether this feud reshapes the Republican landscape or fades as a temporary clash remains uncertain, but its immediate impact is undeniable.
Sources:
- BBC: Trump and Musk in spectacular falling out over tax bill – latest updates
- The Guardian: Trump says ‘I’m not even thinking about Elon’ as Musk loses $33bn in net worth amid feud – live
- The Economic Times: Trump’s big move on Tesla car might give another jolt to Elon Musk soon; Check details
- The Independent: Trump pours water on possible Musk call as Epstein files claim rocks feud: Live
- The Telegraph: Trump says he’s ‘not thinking about’ Musk as feud escalates
- The Wall Street Journal: Trump Is Considering Getting Rid of His Tesla