By Heraldviews
A public rift erupted between former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Thursday, as the two traded barbs over fiscal policy in a remarkably personal dispute that played out in real time.
Trump,
78, expressed disappointment with Musk during a press appearance with German
opposition leader Friedrich Merz, after the Tesla CEO denounced the former
president’s signature tax and spending bill as an "abomination." The
billionaire fired back on X (formerly Twitter) as Trump spoke, claiming credit
for the Republican’s 2024 election victory and accusing him of ingratitude.
"Elon
knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody," Trump
told reporters, referencing Musk’s recent tenure leading the now-defunct
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). "All of a sudden, he had a
problem."
Musk,
53, swiftly rebutted the claims, calling them "false" and asserting
that without his $300 million in campaign support, "Trump would have lost
the election." Tesla shares fell 8% following the remarks, reflecting
investor unease over the feud.
The
spat comes just days after an amicable Oval Office farewell for Musk, who
attended with a black eye he attributed to an altercation with his son. At the
time, Trump had jokingly offered him makeup, a moment the former president
recalled wistfully during Thursday’s remarks.
The
contentious legislation, which extends Trump-era tax cuts, has divided
Republicans. Musk has urged lawmakers to "kill the bill," warning it
would "massively grow the deficit." The dispute threatens to strain
what was once a key political alliance, with Musk’s influence and Trump’s
legislative agenda now at odds.
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