President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, once seen as close allies, are now at the heart of a political storm that’s tearing through the Republican base. Their clash is sending shockwaves through Washington, leaving lawmakers and supporters scrambling to pick sides.
This bitter feud revolves around Trump’s massive tax-and-spending legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), as reported by the Daily Mail. The multi-trillion-dollar package, which passed the Senate on Tuesday, aims to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime pay while boosting border security funds, but it also adds a staggering $3 trillion to the national debt.
Trump has demanded Congress finalize the bill by Independence Day this Friday, positioning it as a cornerstone of his agenda. However, Musk has fiercely opposed it, calling the legislation wasteful and vowing to challenge any Republican who supports it. This public rift has escalated tensions within the MAGA movement, exposing deep divisions over fiscal policy and loyalty.
Steve Bannon, a prominent MAGA figure and former Trump adviser, has come out swinging in defense of the president. He dismissed Musk as “a clown” more focused on protecting Tesla’s renewable energy subsidies than addressing the ballooning national debt. Bannon’s sharp criticism didn’t stop there, as he even suggested deporting Musk and nationalizing SpaceX.
Trump himself has fueled the fire, hinting he might “look into” Bannon’s deportation idea. The president also took aim at Musk’s reliance on U.S. energy subsidies, suggesting the billionaire could be forced to return to South Africa without them. These remarks underscore the personal nature of the feud, which has moved beyond policy disagreements.
Musk, in turn, didn’t hold back, labeling Bannon a “retarded liar” and predicting the MAGA commentator could soon face prison again after his prior contempt of Congress conviction. The Tesla CEO’s harsh words reflect his determination to stand firm against Trump’s legislative push. This exchange of insults has only deepened the rift, drawing more attention to the fractured Republican coalition.
Several Republican lawmakers are now navigating the treacherous waters of this high-profile conflict. Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie has openly sided with Musk, praising the billionaire’s contributions to innovation and expressing fiscal concerns over the OBBB. Massie’s stance has drawn Trump’s ire, with the president branding him a “grandstander” and vowing to oust him in the next election cycle.
Trump’s threat to primary Massie isn’t new, though past efforts have failed to unseat the Kentuckian. Musk, however, has pledged to back Massie’s reelection, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the world’s most powerful man and its richest. This battle could become a litmus test for influence within the Republican Party.
North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, who plans to retire at the end of his term, has also thrown his support behind Musk. After opposing the OBBB due to cuts in green energy and Medicaid funding, Tillis endorsed Musk’s concerns about U.S. lagging in renewable energy investment compared to China. Free from reelection pressures, Tillis faces little consequence for defying Trump, who publicly criticized him as making a “BIG MISTAKE” for North Carolina.
Elon Musk has taken his opposition to new extremes, threatening to start a new political party if Trump’s bill passes. This bold statement signals his frustration with the Republican establishment and willingness to disrupt the status quo. Such a move could further splinter the MAGA base, already strained by conflicting loyalties.
Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio, another OBBB opponent, has expressed hope for reconciliation between Trump and Musk while echoing the billionaire’s concerns about runaway federal spending. Davidson, who voted against the bill in the House, recently posted about the dangers of unchecked government expenditure, likening it to “a fatal overdose.” His cautious stance suggests an attempt to balance respect for both figures without fully committing to either side.
Conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza has called for a truce, urging Trump and Musk to set aside personal grievances for the party’s sake. “Trump and Musk are taking this too personally,” D’Souza wrote on Tuesday. He emphasized the need for a mediator to bridge their divide, warning that the conflict only benefits their political opponents.
The clash between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk centers on the contentious One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping multi-trillion-dollar package reshaping tax and spending policies. This feud, unfolding in Washington and across social media platforms, stems from deep disagreements over fiscal responsibility and personal loyalties within the MAGA movement. It has forced key Republican figures like Rep. Thomas Massie and Sen. Thom Tillis to choose sides, risking further division.
The stakes are high as Trump pushes for the bill’s passage by Independence Day, while Musk’s threats to fund challenges against supporters or even launch a new party loom large. The conflict’s resolution remains uncertain, with the potential to reshape party dynamics ahead of future elections. Both sides show no signs of backing down, amplifying the rift’s impact on national politics.
Looking ahead, the battle over Massie’s reelection could serve as a critical test of Trump and Musk’s influence within the Republican base. Upcoming votes on the OBBB in the House will also reveal how deep the fractures run. As this feud continues to unfold, its consequences could redefine the future of the MAGA coalition and the broader conservative movement.
