Donald Trump on Elon Musk
Flip Donald Trump's perspective on Elon Musk is marked by intense fluctuation, shifting from a close political ally to a vocal critic and back again. During the 2024 election cycle, Musk provided substantial backing, including campaign appearances and significant financial support, leading to Trump appointing him to roles like leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
However, this alliance publicly fractured, notably in 2022 and again in 2025, often over policy disputes such as Trump's signature 'Big Beautiful Bill' and its impact on electric vehicle subsidies. Trump has expressed strong disappointment when Musk criticizes his policies, claiming Musk was aware of the details beforehand and is acting out of self-interest after losing perceived benefits.
Conversely, Musk has also severely criticized Trump, including suggesting he is too old for office and even claiming Trump would have lost the 2024 election without his intervention. Despite these public spats, there have been subsequent signs of a thaw, indicating that the relationship between the two powerful figures remains transactional and subject to rapid shifts based on political and financial alignment.
Context
Donald Trump's administration involved Elon Musk in a significant capacity, appointing him to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with cutting federal government waste. Musk was described as a member of Trump's inner circle, traveling on Air Force One and participating in Cabinet meetings.
This deep involvement, coupled with Musk's private businesses holding billions in federal contracts, highlights the intertwined financial and political relationship. Trump has often framed his relationship with figures like Musk as beneficial to the country due to their business acumen, though the association also raises concerns about conflicts of interest given Musk's reliance on government funding.
Timeline
- Elon Musk left advisory councils due to President Trump's decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accords.
- Donald Trump praised Elon Musk during a SpaceX launch, calling him 'one of our great brains' and stating he speaks to him 'all the time.'
- A feud began when Trump called Musk a 'bullshit artist' and his Twitter contract 'rotten.' Musk responded by calling Trump too old for the presidency.
- Musk announced support for Trump following the assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally, with reports later detailing his PAC spending over $250 million for Trump's election.
- Musk was publicly stated as a special government employee, joining Trump's administration and leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Vice President Vance.
- Tensions erupted as Musk heavily criticized Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' over electric vehicle subsidy cuts, leading Trump to express deep disappointment and threaten government contracts.
- Signs of warming emerged after the 2025 feud, with Musk responding to Trump's conciliatory comments with a heart emoji on X.
- President Trump stated he would call Elon Musk to discuss sending Starlink internet to protesters in Iran, indicating a return to direct communication.
Actions Taken
- Retaliation_threatThreatened to terminate governmental subsidies and contracts for Musk's companies, Starlink and SpaceX.
- Administration_appointmentAppointed Elon Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to review and cut federal spending.
- Foreign_policy_consultationStated he would speak to Musk about sending Starlink to Iran protesters, suggesting a return to direct communication.
Key Quotes
I'm very disappointed in Elon. I've helped Elon a lot.
The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. Go ahead, make my day.
Without me, Trump would have lost the election. Such ingratitude.
I speak to him all the time. Great guy. He's one of our great brains.
Criticism
Musk referred to Trump as a 'bullshit artist' in 2022 and has criticized his signature spending bill as a 'disgusting abomination' in 2025.
Musk claimed that Trump's administration had not released all records related to Jeffrey Epstein because Trump was mentioned in them.
Sources6
Trump–Musk feud - Wikipedia
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.