What started as a disagreement over electric vehicle policy has exploded into an all-out digital war between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump. They are two of the most powerful and unpredictable figures in American public life.
On Thursday afternoon, Musk stunned followers with a now-viral post on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that Trump is “in the Epstein files.”
“That is the real reason they have not been made public,” Musk wrote. “Have a nice day, DJT!”
The explosive accusation came shortly after Trump posted on Truth Social that he had removed Musk from his administration and accused the billionaire of going “CRAZY” following changes to electric vehicle mandates.
From Government Efficiency to Open Warfare
The rift reportedly began after the introduction of a Republican-backed spending bill. Trump defended the bill as “big and beautiful,” while Musk slammed it as bloated and counterproductive, arguing it rolled back clean energy incentives and doubled down on oil subsidies.
Musk had been appointed to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, dubbed “DOGE”, during Trump’s second term. But after months of internal tension, Musk stepped away. Now, he alleges that the new bill undermines the very reforms he tried to push through.
Trump didn’t take kindly to the criticism. In a series of Truth Social posts, he claimed Musk’s behavior changed after being removed and even hinted that the White House might pull federal contracts from Tesla and SpaceX.
That’s when Musk dropped the Epstein bombshell and Tesla shares tumbled nearly 18%, adding a financial blow to an already volatile feud.
Kanye Tries to Play Peacemaker
As the public spat escalated, Kanye West, a longtime ally of both men, jumped in with a lighthearted plea:
“Broooos please noooooo. We love you both so much.”
But the bromance appears to be over. Musk kept the shots coming, quoting Clint Eastwood with a cryptic post:
“Go ahead, make my day…”
Meanwhile, Trump used a press appearance with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to deliver a backhanded jab:
“He stood behind the Oval desk. Even with a black eye,” Trump said. “I said, ‘Do you want a little makeup?’ And he said, ‘No, I don’t think so.’ Which was interesting.”
He went on to accuse Musk of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
“They leave, they wake up in the morning and the glamour is gone… and they become hostile,” Trump added.
Who Helped Whom?
A major source of tension: political credit.
Musk claims Trump would have lost the 2024 election without his help. He cited a $290 million donation and high-profile joint rallies, including one following the attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“Without me, Trump would have lost… Such ingratitude,” Musk posted.
Trump hit back, arguing he would have won with or without Musk — and retaliated by pulling Musk’s preferred NASA pick, Jared Isaacman, a close SpaceX ally.
A Battle for Long-Term Power
This feud may not be about policy anymore, it may be about legacy.
Musk seems to be positioning himself as a long-term force in American politics.
“Trump has 3.5 years left as President. I’ll be around for 40+ years,” Musk wrote.
That statement has sparked speculation: Is Musk laying the groundwork for a future media empire? A shadow political network? Or simply shaping the next generation of candidates through his vast influence online?
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are said to be torn. They’re unsure whether to stand by the sitting president or the tech mogul who helped flip 2024.
Trump insists things haven’t gone fully personal, yet.
“He hasn’t said bad about me personally, but I’m sure that will be next,” Trump quipped.
With each side escalating the rhetoric, what began as a policy disagreement is quickly turning into a high-stakes power struggle — with real implications for politics, tech, and the 2028 election.
And one thing is certain:
