Portrait of Elon Musk
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Elon Musk on Donald Trump

Administration Ally Turned Critic (strong) Position evolved Flip

Elon Musk was a vocal and financial supporter of Donald Trump leading up to the 2024 election and became a key figure in his second administration. Musk served as a senior advisor and the de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) following Trump's inauguration in early 2025. However, after leaving the administration, Musk developed a public feud with Trump, criticizing a major legislative package and alleging ties between Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, leading Trump to threaten his government contracts.

Context

Elon Musk's influence on public discourse, gained through his leadership of companies like X (formerly Twitter) and Tesla, made his political alignment significant. His involvement in the Trump administration via DOGE drew substantial public backlash, especially regarding federal workforce layoffs and policy cuts. Musk's shift from being Trump's largest donor in 2024 to criticizing him in 2025 highlights a highly visible political evolution.

Timeline

  1. Elon Musk became a vocal and financial supporter of Donald Trump.
  2. Musk endorsed Trump for president immediately following an attempted assassination.
  3. Musk was inaugurated as a Senior Advisor to the President and de facto head of DOGE in the second Trump administration.
  4. Musk departed from the Trump administration as his special government employee deadline expired.
  5. A public feud erupted between Musk and Trump, involving mutual accusations and threats.

Actions Taken

  1. Financial support
    Became the largest individual donor in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, supporting Donald Trump.
  2. Campaign activity
    Joined Trump on stage at a campaign rally and promoted conspiracy theories in support of Trump's campaign.
  3. Government appointment
    Accepted an advisory role and was designated a 'special government employee' to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the second Trump administration.
  4. Public criticism
    Publicly criticized the Trump administration's 'Big Beautiful Bill' for increasing the deficit, initiating a feud.
  5. Social media accusation
    Alleged on X that Donald Trump had ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
  6. Apology/retraction
    Publicly apologized to Trump for tweets made during their feud, stating they 'went too far'.

Key Quotes

I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.

Social media post July 1, 2024 — Said immediately after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.

My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured.

Inauguration speech January 1, 2025 — Said to the crowd after Trump's second inauguration, which some interpreted as a fascist salute.

That bill is a disgusting abomination.

Social media post May 1, 2025 — Criticism of the Trump administration's 'Big Beautiful Bill' after leaving office.

I apologize to Donald Trump. My tweets against him went too far.

Social media post June 11, 2025 — Public apology following the escalation of their feud.

Criticism

Donald Trump

Stated that Musk went 'CRAZY' after the 'EV Mandate' was purportedly taken away and threatened to cut Musk's government contracts.

Donald Trump

Added that Elon Musk would face 'very serious consequences' if he funds Democratic candidates, following Musk's apology.

Bill Gates

Accused Musk of 'killing the world's poorest children' through his cuts to USAID while serving in the Trump administration.