Trump says Musk has ‘lost his mind’ amid escalating feud
Us president Donald Trump declared that Elon Musk had “lost his mind” but expressed a desire to move past their public fallout. The breakdown between the former allies poses political and economic risks on several fronts.
Trump abandoned plans for a call with Musk and considered getting rid of the red Tesla he purchased during their alliance, according to White House sources. Aboard Air Force One heading to his New Jersey golf club, Trump said he was focused on issues with China, Russia, and Iran, adding, “I’m not thinking about Elon Musk, I just wish him well.”
The president shifted attention to his pending “big, beautiful” spending bill, which Musk had sharply criticized and which triggered their rupture. Trump, however, could not resist attacking Musk during an ABC interview, calling him “the man who has lost his mind” and showing little interest in reconnecting. He later reiterated Musk had “lost it” in a Fox News interview.
Only a week earlier, Trump praised Musk’s brief tenure leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Reports had hinted at tension, but few expected the relationship to collapse so quickly.
The conflict intensified after Musk labeled Trump’s spending bill an “abomination.” Trump responded with public disappointment. The bill faces resistance in Congress for increasing the US deficit and cutting health benefits for vulnerable Americans.
The exchange turned hostile when Musk accused Trump, without evidence, of links to the controversial financier Jeffrey Epstein. Trump threatened to cancel Musk’s lucrative SpaceX contracts, but later tempered his stance, saying any action would be “fair” to both Musk and the country.
Musk appeared to pull back from threats to halt the company’s Dragon spacecraft program, essential for transporting NASA astronauts to the International Space Station. He also reduced his social media activity on X.
The White House denied imminent talks, stating the president did not plan to speak with Musk, though Musk reportedly requested a call.
Tesla shares dropped over 14 percent during the dispute, wiping about $100 billion off the company’s market value, but partially recovered the following day.
Trump now contemplates selling or donating the cherry red Tesla S he bought from Musk’s company. The vehicle remained on White House grounds, with officials confirming Trump was considering his options.
The relationship had once appeared strong; in March, Trump showcased the Tesla in a White House event amid protests over Musk’s DOGE role.
Both parties retain leverage. Musk is the largest donor to Trump’s 2024 campaign, having contributed nearly $300 million. His future support for the 2026 midterms is uncertain and his financial power could influence Trump’s political standing.
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