### Musk vs. Trump: A Fractured Alliance Over Tax Policy The relationship between Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, and former President Donald Trump has soured significantly, primarily due to disagreements over a major tax bill. Musk has publicly claimed that Trump would not have won the 2024 election without his support, a statement that has sparked a heated exchange between the two influential figures. This feud escalated after Trump expressed disappointment in Musk, particularly regarding cuts to electric vehicle credits in the tax legislation, which Musk criticized as a betrayal of their alliance [https://www.newsbreak.com/news/4039148728388-elon-musk-blasts-trump-without-me-trump-would-have-lost]. ### Breakdown of the Musk-Trump Feud 1. **Initial Claims**: Musk asserts that Trump's electoral success was largely due to his backing, stating, "Without me, Trump would have lost the election" [https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/trump-vs-musk-elon-musk-says-us-president-wouldve-lost-election-without-his-help/3870140]. 2. **Criticism of Tax Bill**: Musk has criticized Trump's tax bill, claiming it was rushed and not adequately reviewed by lawmakers, including himself [https://www.msnbc.com/chris-jansing-reports/watch/musk-without-me-trump-would-have-lost-the-election-240980037962]. 3. **Public Reactions**: The feud has drawn attention from political analysts and media, with discussions on how this rift could impact Tesla's stock and public perception of both figures [https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/elon-musk-donald-trump-spat-us-president-election-ev-tax-bill-republicans-125060501466_1.html]. 4. **Trump's Response**: Trump has countered Musk's claims by expressing disappointment in Musk's stance, suggesting that Musk's issues arose only after the EV mandate cuts were announced [https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/after-us-president-says-very-disappointed-in-elon-musk-says-without-me-trump-would-have-lost-the-election]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Musk's Statements**: Musk's assertion that he played a crucial role in Trump's election victory is echoed across multiple news outlets, emphasizing the dramatic nature of their fallout [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/06/without-me-you-would-have-lost-the-election-musk-blasts-trump]. - **Stock Market Impact**: Analysts have noted that Tesla's stock has seen fluctuations in response to the public feud, indicating that investor sentiment may be affected by the ongoing conflict [https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/jun/05/elon-musk-says-trump-wouldve-lost-election-without]. - **Public Sentiment**: The public's reaction to the feud has been mixed, with some supporting Musk's claims while others side with Trump, showcasing the polarized nature of their respective followings [https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/without-me-trump-would-have-lost-the-election-musk-escalates-feud-with-us-president-article-13101149.html]. ### Conclusion: The Escalating Rift Between Musk and Trump In summary, the feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump has escalated into a public spectacle, characterized by mutual accusations and criticisms over a contentious tax bill. 1. **Musk's Claim**: Musk insists that Trump's electoral victory was contingent upon his support, framing the narrative as one of ingratitude from Trump [https://www.ibtimes.com/musk-endorses-claim-that-trump-would-have-lost-election-without-him-such-ingratitude-3775216]. 2. **Trump's Disappointment**: Trump has publicly expressed disappointment in Musk, suggesting that the rift is rooted in policy disagreements rather than personal animosity [https://www.turkiyetoday.com/world/without-me-he-would-have-lost-trump-and-musk-clash-over-tax-bill-3202453]. 3. **Potential Consequences**: The ongoing conflict may have implications for both their public images and the financial markets, particularly Tesla's stock performance [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/without-me-trump-would-have-lost-election-elon-musk-lashes-out-at-donald-trump-big-beautiful-bill-spat-turns-ugly/articleshow/121655826.cms]. This situation highlights the complexities of political alliances and the potential for rapid deterioration when interests diverge.