NEW DELHI: A once-close alliance between U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk has unraveled in a dramatic public dispute, captivating global attention. The rift erupted over Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a Republican-backed domestic policy measure aimed at extending tax cuts and boosting border security.
Musk, recently departed from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), called the bill a “disgusting abomination” on X, criticizing its potential to increase the U.S. national debt by $2.4 trillion, according to Congressional Budget Office estimates.
Trump retaliated during a White House press conference, expressing disappointment and suggesting Musk’s criticism stemmed from the bill’s removal of electric vehicle tax credits, impacting his company, Tesla.
The feud escalated as Musk claimed Trump’s election victory relied on his $288 million campaign support, while Trump threatened to cut billions in government contracts to Musk’s companies, including SpaceX.
Musk’s controversial mention of Trump in relation to Jeffrey Epstein files further intensified the spat, prompting calls from the U.S. Democrats for the files’ release. Political analysts warn this clash between two of the world’s most influential figures could disrupt U.S. policy and global markets.
