Musk posted on X: “Credit where credit is due. @realDonaldTrump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world.” The acknowledgment followed Trump’s announcement of a 60‑day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The compliment arrived mere hours after Trump threatened to deploy the Department of Government Efficiency to scrutinise Musk’s businesses and floated the notion of revoking his U.S. citizenship or deporting him—a rare escalation in political rhetoric.
Their clash originally ignited when Musk sharply criticised Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”, a sweeping domestic spending and tax proposal, describing it as fiscally irresponsible and warning it could bankrupt the nation. Trump retaliated by asserting Musk’s companies rely heavily on government subsidies and hints at cutting electric vehicle tax credits and federal contracts for Tesla and SpaceX.
In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed Elon “may get more subsidy than any human being in history,” and warned that without it, the entrepreneur “would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.” He then mused that DOGE might investigate Musk’s enterprises. Asked about deportation, Trump replied: “I don’t know, we’ll have to take a look”.
Musk responded on X, acknowledging his temptation to escalate the conflict but indicating restraint, saying: “So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now”. The exchange followed a period marked by Musk deleting earlier accusations linking Trump to Jeffrey Epstein and pledging to form a rival political party if BBB passed.
Musk's praise touched on Trump’s claimed foreign‑policy achievements, including brokering ceasefires in Gaza and suspected negotiations in conflicts spanning the Balkans, Congo and South Asia—a list Trump often cites during his second term. Trump’s recent outreach emphasises his international stature, an angle that may have appealed to Musk amid escalating threats to his business interests.
Financial markets responded. Tesla shares previously tumbled about 5% following Trump’s warnings about EV tax credits and subsidy cuts, as reported by the Economic Times. Analysts suggest that a drawn‑out feud could unsettled investors and imperil federal contracts held by Musk‑associated companies such as SpaceX and Starlink.
Despite the adversarial tone, Musk’s compliment could reflect a strategic calculation. The billionaire recently expressed regret for going too far in the conflict—deleting sharp posts and softening his critique after advisement from Vice President J.D. Vance and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Market watchers noted Musk's intent to stabilise relations, especially as Tesla gears up for an autonomous‑vehicle launch later this year.
Still, Musk’s commitment to political independence remains evident. He reiterated plans to back challengers to Republicans who support BBB, and reaffirmed his vow to launch the “America Party” to contest what he called the “Democrat‑Republican uni‑party”. His America PAC has already spent about $200 million supporting Trump in 2024, signalling a rapid reversal in political affiliation.
Trump’s threat to Musk extends DJT’s tough‑talk approach to tech billionaires. Notably, Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser, has amplified calls to investigate or deport Musk, alleging illicit immigration status and urging the seizure of SpaceX assets under national‑security provisions.
The fast‑unfolding saga highlights a broader confrontation between political power and tech influence. Musk’s reversal from harsh critique to cautious compliment underscores the complexity of navigating political retaliation while maintaining business precarity.
As BBB remains on Senate’s docket, key questions linger: will the fiscal package pass despite Musk‑backed opposition? Could further threats from Trump destabilise Musk’s empire? For now, Musk’s public nod to Trump may serve as a temporary ceasefire, but the deeper battle over influence, policy and power continues to unfurl.