Elon Musk and President Donald Trump’s public feud over the GOP’s “Big Beautiful Bill” reached new heights this week, exposing cracks in their alliance. Musk claimed Trump would have lost the 2024 election without his support, while Trump accused Musk of hypocrisy over electric vehicle subsidies. The bill, which slashes taxes and cuts EV incentives, has sparked a bitter war of words between the two conservative icons.
Musk launched a fiery social media campaign against the legislation, dubbing it the “Debt Slavery Bill” and urging Republicans to kill it. He argued the bill’s rushed passage buried costly provisions that would balloon the national deficit. Trump countered that Musk knew about the EV cuts beforehand and only complained after his Tesla subsidies got axed. The president called Musk’s attacks “disappointing” but praised the bill as historic tax relief for working Americans.
House Republicans largely sided with Trump, with Speaker Mike Johnson dismissing Musk’s demands to start over. “We don’t have time for a brand new bill,” Johnson said, calling the legislation a complex achievement. Behind the scenes, sources say Musk felt betrayed after failing to protect EV credits his company lobbied for. Trump’s team viewed Musk’s outburst as petty retaliation rather than principled opposition.
The clash highlights growing tensions between Trump’s America First agenda and tech leaders who want government handouts for green energy projects. Conservatives celebrated the bill’s tax cuts as a win for middle-class families, while Musk framed it as a betrayal of fiscal responsibility. Trump reminded supporters that “Elon’s upset because we took the EV mandate,” framing the cuts as necessary to avoid subsidizing unprofitable ventures.
As the GOP unites behind Trump’s agenda, Musk’s criticism risks alienating his conservative base. His dramatic posts, including a “Kill Bill” movie reference, drew backlash from Republicans who accused him of showboating. The feud underscores a fundamental divide: Trump prioritizes immediate relief for voters, while Musk fixates on long-term fiscal impacts that many conservatives see as exaggerated.
Despite the fireworks, both men remain personally friendly. Sources say Trump still values Musk’s input on technology and space policy, while Musk respects the president’s economic record. But their spat reveals the limits of celebrity influence in Washington. Even America’s richest man couldn’t derail a bill backed by hardworking taxpayers tired of corporate welfare.
For conservatives, the takeaway is clear: Trump’s leadership delivers results, while Musk’s tantrums distract from real progress. The “Big Beautiful Bill” proves Republicans can stand up to special interests and put everyday Americans first. As the 2026 midterms approach, the party must stay unified against both Democratic obstruction and wealthy gadflies trying to hijack the agenda.
This showdown isn’t just about taxes or EVs—it’s about who shapes the future of the conservative movement. Trump’s victory shows that in the battle between populist principles and billionaire demands, the people still have a voice. Musk may have money and memes, but Trump has the mandate to keep America great.
