I checked into P&R after a long absence, expecting to see all sorts of discussion regarding the bitter fallout between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Apparently no one here has been following the news! I therefore feel it's my duty to bring everyone up to date...
Tensions over the Republican spending bill burst into public view as the president’s relationship with his former adviser deteriorated
Hugo Lowell and Andrew Roth in Washington Thu 5 Jun 2025 22.13 BST
Elon Musk called for Donald Trump’s impeachment and mocked his connections to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as the US president threatened to cancel federal contracts and tax subsidies for Musk’s companies, in an extraordinary social media feud that erupted between the former allies on Thursday.
The deterioration of their once close relationship into bitter acrimony came over the course of several remarkable hours during which the president and the world’s richest person hurled deeply personal insults over matters significant and insignificant.
The direct shots at Trump were the latest twist in the public showdown over a Republican spending bill that Musk had criticized. Trump and Musk had been careful not to hit each other directly, but on Thursday the pair discarded restraint as the feud escalated on their respective social media platforms.
In the most churlish moment of the astonishing saga, Musk said on X the reason the Trump administration had not released the files into Epstein was because they implicated the president. He later quote-tweeted a post calling for Trump to be removed and said Trump’s tariffs would cause a recession.
“Time to drop the really big bomb: Donald Trump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!” Musk wrote, after Trump threatened to cut subsidies for Musk’s companies as it would save “billions”.
It was a bizarre drama that served to underscore the degree to which Trump and Musk’s relationship has been one of mutual convenience, despite the White House claiming for months that they were simply ideologically aligned.
It also caused the rightwing writer Ashley St Clair, who gave birth to Musk’s 14th known child and sued Musk for child support, to weigh in. “Let me know if u need any breakup advice,” she posted on X, tagging Trump.
Shares in Tesla, Musk’s electric vehicle company, fell almost 15% on Thursday afternoon with the decline timed to when Trump’s remarks began. Musk’s rocket company, SpaceX, is not publicly traded, but competitors to SpaceX rose on the news.
For weeks, Musk has complained about the budget bill, and used the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimating the bill would add $2.4tn to the deficit over the next decade as an opening to condemn the legislation as a “disgusting abomination”.
On Thursday, Trump appeared to finally have had enough of Musk’s complaints. Speaking in the Oval Office as the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, looked on in bemusement, Trump mocked Musk’s recent black eye and questioned why he didn’t cover it up.
“You saw a man who was very happy when he stood behind the Oval desk. Even with a black eye. I said, do you want a little makeup? He said, no, I don’t think so. Which is interesting,” Trump said. “Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will any more.”
Trump then ratcheted up his barbs against Musk, accusing him of turning against the bill solely out of self-interest, as the bill did not benefit Tesla, Musk’s electric vehicle company. Trump also pulled the nomination of Musk’s preferred candidate to lead Nasa.
“I’m very disappointed with Elon,” Trump said. “He had no problem with it. All of a sudden he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out we’re going to cut the EV mandate.”
Musk then went on the warpath.
Within minutes of Trump’s comments appearing in a clip on X, where Musk was responding in real time, Musk accused the president of lying about the bill, and accused Trump of being ungrateful for the millions he spent to get him elected.
“Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate,” Musk said in a post on X. He added: “Such ingratitude.”
Musk taking credit for Trump’s election win initially threatened to be the touchpoint for their relationship, given Trump had made a point to say that Musk’s contributions had no effect on him winning the battleground state of Pennsylvania.
But then Trump posted on Truth Social that he had fired Musk from his role as a special adviser because he was “wearing thin” at the White House, and Musk responded: “Such an obvious lie. So sad.”
It was less than a half an hour later that Musk fired off his Epstein tweet, in effect accusing him of being part of an alleged child sexual abuse ring linked to Epstein, using a dog whistle for the Maga movement to try to set them against the president.
In doing so, Musk ignored his own connections to Epstein. In 2014, like Trump, Musk was photographed at a party with Ghislaine Maxwell, a former Epstein girlfriend who was convicted in 2021 on charges that she helped the financier’s sex-trafficking activities.
The public feud comes after a remarkable partnership that lasted longer than many Democrats on Capitol Hill and in Trump’s orbit predicted.
Musk spent hundreds of millions of dollars on Trump’s re-election campaign through his specially created America Pac, which shouldered a large portion of Trump’s door-knocking campaign, although the actual impact of that ground-game effort is unclear.
Who didn't see this happening? lol Two narcissistic egomaniacs battling it out over who has the biggest (fill in the blank). What a freakin' circus!
Originally posted by Patrick: ... I therefore feel it's my duty to bring everyone up to date...
Who didn't see this happening? lol Two narcissistic egomaniacs battling it out over who has the biggest (fill in the blank). What a freakin' circus!
Your duty ? Admit it. You are tickled pink with this development. I take it you had no brothers you would occasionally get into a fight with. It will blow over. If any of the Guardians thoughts are true.
Did you not know that by law, Musk could serve as a special advisor to President Trump for just three months ? Another thing to consider is that Elon's personal financial endeavors took quite a hit for working for our President. His Tesla's were getting damaged by haters of our President. The left wing fake news was calling him Hitler as they suffer from TDS. Now the left loves him again.
Are you gullible much ? The Guardian is a liberal news organization.
quote
The Guardian attracts millions of visitors monthly, offering a diverse range of content. Its commitment to liberal values ...
LOL... Oh sure Cliff, it's gotta be 100% fabricated. No one in such a position of power could be this much of a fool, right? Man oh man, you've got your head stuck so far in the sand you can probably see China. And you dare call me "gullible".
It's no surprise there's been no discussion of this dog and pony show by the resident MAGA supporters here. They're all hoping it'll all just "blow over". Good luck with that! What a complete joke of an administration.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 06-07-2025).]
I am mostly "done with this section"... but I felt it was "hilarious" (using your term) that all the vocal MAGA supporters here in P&R have suddenly clammed up. Hey, I get it... I'd be embarrassed too if I voted for this clown show!
The vast majority who voted for DJT and many that didn't are supporting his leadership and the direction he is taking this country. Only the haters are trying to make a big deal out of this spat. Even if DJT fails in getting changes made, he's still 1,000% better than what we had. and what the Dems were offering. Admittedly, those two do have major egos but, most successful people do.
Rams
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 06-07-2025).]
The vast majority who voted for DJT and many that didn't are supporting his leadership and the direction he is taking this country.
I'd like to see a current poll on that! If what you say is true, and that's a big "if"... then the American people are getting what they deserve.
quote
Originally posted by blackrams:
Only the haters are trying to make a big deal out of this spat.
You're so quick to pigeonhole and label anyone who hasn't drank the Kool-Aid/elephant pizz. The whole world is watching this bitchfest play out. It would be funny if it wasn't such juvenile behavior by "men" (using the term loosely) in positions of power and authority.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 06-07-2025).]
You're so quick to pigeonhole and label anyone who hasn't drank the Kool-Aid/elephant pizz. The whole world is watching this bitchfest play out. It would be funny if it wasn't such juvenile behavior by "men" (using the term loosely) in positions of power and authority.
As I previously stated, HATERS. Canada seems to have adopted its own Canada First agenda. That's OK with me. The more manufacturing DJT gets brought back to the US, the better off we'll be. I am seriously hoping all auto manufacturing returns to the US, including misc. parts production. I'm not in favor of a total isolationist policy but, that "World" you mentioned has been robbing the US consumer for far too long. It's well past time to level the playing field and bring jobs and manufacturing back to the US whether that be through tariffs or other means. Other countries who want to market their products like oil, forest products and food products have reaped the benefits of much higher tariffs on our exported products than we import. That's now being challenged, thanks to DJT. While we (US Consumers) may like those products, the country sending them to us greatly benefited from the former policies. We (the US Consumer) don't have to import those products, we have our own domestic products and really can easily do with what we already have but those other countries who are exporting to the US, need to have access to our markets. Equalizing or doing away with all tariffs is a great goal. Additionally, those countries that have enjoyed the benefits of our military and NATO should be embarrassed and should start paying their agreed to fair share. Obviously, the "World" doesn't appreciate being called out but, when it's true. To those countries guilty, pull up your big boy pants and get with it.
BTW, very few (except those suffering from TDS) still believe our former Oval Office occupier and his next in line was doing anything to help the US Consumer so, whether one likes DJT or not, he's much better than what we had. That Kool-Aide comment goes both ways. What flavor was yours?
Rams
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 06-08-2025).]
Okay, now you're talking! Upsizing to all capital letters makes your opinion all the more valid! Maybe some day you'll realize that disagreeing with a person and/or a policy doesn't necessarily imply that there's any "hate" involved. I may feel that Donald Trump is a pathetic excuse for a human being, and an even worse POTUS... but do I "hate" him? No.
quote
Originally posted by blackrams:
I'm not in favor of a total isolationist policy but, that "World" you mentioned has been robbing the US consumer for far too long.
Oh, the poor little US of A... being taken advantage of by every banana republic on the planet. It seems you'll believe anything that Trump tweets out to his followers.
For example... Trump has expressed many times how bad of a deal for the US that the USMCA free trade agreement is. Well, damn that Joe Biden anyway! But wait... hold on a moment... just who was it that actually negotiated and signed that deal for the US that's allowed Mexico and Canada to supposedly be "robbing" the US ever since? Yep, some turkey named Donald Trump. He apparently gave away the farm!
How anyone can believe a word that comes out of that charlatan's mouth is beyond comprehension.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 06-09-2025).]
How anyone can believe a word that comes out of that charlatan's mouth is beyond comprehension.
I don't believe anyone on this forum has ever referred to you as a charlatan.................... Edited: Meant to ask, do you think your country will ever meet it's NATO obligation? BTW, I never thought of Canada as a Banana Republic before (Pine Nut maybe) but if the shoe fits wear it.
Rams
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 06-08-2025).]
But of course! Your mom always said you were special.
Although I doubt you care, bringing my recently deceased Mom into this discussion is below the belt. As I previously said, some folks opinions matter, non-US citizens, not so much.
Originally posted by Patrick: I am mostly "done with this section"... but I felt it was "hilarious" (using your term) that all the vocal MAGA supporters here in P&R have suddenly clammed up. Hey, I get it... I'd be embarrassed too if I voted for this clown show!
I am not embarrassed that I voted for Trump. Promise made, promises kept. Great results.
LOL... Oh sure Cliff, it's gotta be 100% fabricated. No one in such a position of power could be this much of a fool, right? Man oh man, you've got your head stuck so far in the sand you can probably see China. And you dare call me "gullible".
/quote]
Well, is this you ?
[This message has been edited by cliffw (edited 06-10-2025).]
Sounds like Elon might've had a lawyer whisper in his ear. Notice however that Musk does not identify which comments "went too far", nor is there any hint of an apology. His only "regret" is perhaps losing government contracts.
Meanwhile, Trump is doing all he can to distract the American public from Elon Musk's comments about him... especially regarding Epstein. Look over here, look over there!
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 06-12-2025).]
WHILE RUMP BUDDY THE EVIL WAR CRIMINAL PUTIN MUCH LIKE THE WAR CRIMINAL BEBE ATTACKS SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS AND RANDOM APT BUILDINGS FULL OF KIDS BUT THE RUMP NUTS HERE APPROVE NO CALLS FOR ANY SANCTIONS OR TARIFFS ON ETHER EVER WHY WHY WHY
CRIMINAL RUMP PARDONS OTHER CRIMINALS BUT WILL NOT HELP THE U AT ALL
Gop ARE SCUM AND CRIMINAL FOR NOT STOPPING HIS CRIMES
Words spoken by a man that knows HATE so well. You would not be complaining if they where rounding up Cubans and Haitians.
THEY ARE NOT NATIVES MANY MEX AND CENTRAL AMERICANS ARE NATIVES RUMP IS ATTACKING NATIVES THEY WERE HERE BEFORE MY IN PEOPLE 1620 BY THOUSANDS OF YEARS
THEY ARE NOT NATIVES MANY MEX AND CENTRAL AMERICANS ARE NATIVES RUMP IS ATTACKING NATIVES THEY WERE HERE BEFORE MY IN PEOPLE 1620 BY THOUSANDS OF YEARS
Sounds like Elon might've had a lawyer whisper in his ear. Notice however that Musk does not identify which comments "went too far", nor is there any hint of an apology. His only "regret" is perhaps losing government contracts.
Meanwhile, Trump is doing all he can to distract the American public from Elon Musk's comments about him... especially regarding Epstein. Look over here, look over there!
Originally posted by Patrick: I'm fully aware that there's absolutely nothing I could post that would change your opinion of Donald Trump. That's your problem, not mine.
What is your problem with our President ? Inquiring minds want to know.
Really Patrick ? First you cite the Guardian, a leftist fake news rad and now MSNBC, another leftist only news site.
You are so persuasive, NOT !
I always find it endlessly amusing when someone clearly suffering from a severe case of TDS insists on using a leftist news source as proof he's correct in his beliefs.
Next thing you know, Patrick will be citing the National Enquirer as proof of his contention that Bat Boy is real and that Elvis is living in a trailer park in Arizona.
I always find it endlessly amusing when someone clearly suffering from a severe case of TDS insists on using a leftist news source as proof he's correct in his beliefs.
I always find it endlessly amusing when someone clearly suffering from a severe case of MAGAitis insists on ignoring the reality of the situation. So tell me, smart guy... what exactly is fictitious in the news story quoted in the first post of this thread. Let's hear it! Should be very easy for you to pick it apart.
Maybe some day you'll realize that disagreeing with a person and/or a policy doesn't necessarily imply that there's any "hate" involved. I may feel that Donald Trump is a pathetic excuse for a human being, and an even worse POTUS... but do I "hate" him? No.
I didn't advertise her loss.
news site. 
