Grok gives a blow-by-blow account of the First Feud. But the account is of no assistance for those looking to understand motivation. The picture strikes me as useful but incomplete.
Grok, why are Elon Musk and President Trump feuding?
The feud between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, as reported in various sources in June 2025, stems primarily from a disagreement over a major Republican tax and spending bill, often referred to as the “big, beautiful bill” by Trump. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons and developments:
Disagreement Over the Tax and Spending Bill:
Musk has publicly criticized the Republican reconciliation package, calling it a “disgusting abomination” and arguing that it would increase the federal budget deficit, undermining the cost-cutting efforts he championed while leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Trump, in response, expressed disappointment, claiming Musk knew the bill’s details “better than almost anybody” and had no issue with it until after leaving the administration. Trump suggested Musk’s criticism was driven by self-interest, particularly because the bill cuts subsidies for electric vehicles, impacting Musk’s company, Tesla.
Escalation Through Personal Attacks:
The dispute escalated on June 5, 2025, when both men took to their respective social media platforms—Trump on Truth Social and Musk on X—to trade insults. Trump accused Musk of going “CRAZY” after being asked to leave the administration and losing an electric vehicle (EV) mandate.
Musk fired back, claiming Trump “would have lost the election” without his financial support (nearly $300 million for Trump and other Republicans in 2024) and calling out “ingratitude.” He also made an unsubstantiated claim that Trump’s name appears in unreleased Jeffrey Epstein files, intensifying the personal nature of the feud.
Threats and Retaliation:
Trump threatened to terminate government contracts and subsidies with Musk’s companies, such as Tesla and SpaceX, calling it “the easiest way to save billions” in the budget. This could significantly impact SpaceX, a key player in NASA and Pentagon operations.
Musk initially responded by threatening to decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, critical for NASA’s International Space Station missions, though he later appeared to retract this. He also endorsed a post calling for Trump’s impeachment and replacement by Vice President JD Vance.
Underlying Tensions:
The feud wasn’t entirely unexpected, as both men are known for their strong personalities and use of social media to confront critics. Some observers predicted a clash, given their “sizable egos” and differing priorities.
Musk’s influence waned after clashing with cabinet members during his time at DOGE, and Trump’s decision to revoke the nomination of Musk’s ally, Jared Isaacman, for NASA leadership further strained relations.
Context of Their Past Alliance:
The two had a close relationship during Trump’s 2024 campaign and early second term, with Musk spending heavily to support Trump’s election and co-leading DOGE to slash federal spending. They appeared together at events, with Trump praising Musk as a “star” and Musk calling Trump a friend and advisor. However, this “bromance” unraveled as Musk left the administration in May 2025 and began opposing the bill.
Current State (June 6, 2025):
By June 6, both men showed slight signs of de-escalation, with Musk wishing Trump well on X and Trump expressing a wish for Musk’s success, though he remained focused on other priorities and dismissed immediate reconciliation. Trump also indicated he’d “take a look at” Musk’s contracts, keeping the threat alive.
The feud has rocked Washington, with Tesla shares dropping 14% on June 5, wiping out $150 billion in value, and Republicans worrying about political fallout, especially if Musk withholds future financial support.
In summary, the feud began with policy differences over the tax and spending bill but quickly turned personal, with threats, insults, and unproven allegations. Its roots lie in clashing interests, egos, and the shifting dynamics of a once-strong alliance. The outcome remains uncertain, with potential impacts on legislation, government contracts, and Republican unity.
🚨BREAKING: FBI Director Kash Patel announces his house was swatted yesterday:
“As Director of the FBI of responsibility, I’m not just gonna bring a case because somebody hurt me. They did. And they continue to do it. Shit. My house just got swatted yesterday.” pic.twitter.com/ZaoefUMJOQ
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 6, 2025
Transcript from our presser.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I stand before you today not just for myself, but for my brothers Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Dominic Pezzola. For four years, we were persecuted, paraded across the country like trophies,… pic.twitter.com/MKkmYyMQrn
— Enrique Tarrio (@NobleOne) June 6, 2025
BREAKING: Supreme Court Allows DOGE to Access Social Security Data, Says DOGE Doesn’t Have to Hand Over FOIA Docs
Cristina Laila, Gateway Pundit, Jun. 6, 2025
(https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/06/breaking-supreme-court-allows-doge-access-social-security/)
The Supreme Court handed the Trump Administration two small victories on Friday.
On Friday, the US Supreme Court (6-3) allowed DOGE to access sensitive Social Security data.
In a separate order, the high court (6-3) also said DOGE does not have to hand over documents including communications between workers and various agencies in response to a FOIA lawsuit.
Liberal Justices Kagan, Sotomayor and Jackson dissented and would have denied the applications.
A federal judge previously barred DOGE from accessing social security systems.
US District Judge Ellen Hollander, an Obama appointee, said DOGE’s workers are on a “fishing expedition.”
“The DOGE Team is essentially engaged in a fishing expedition at SSA, in search of a fraud epidemic, based on little more than suspicion. It has launched a search for the proverbial needle in the haystack, without any concrete knowledge that the needle is actually in the haystack,” Judge Hollander wrote.
Far-left organizations like AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Teachers and other plaintiffs sued the Social Security Administration, Elon Musk, DOGE and other Trump advisors.
On April 17, Judge Hollander issued a preliminary injunction extending the ban on Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing the personal records of millions of Americans stored by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
In April, the Richmond, Virginia-based 4th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 9-6 to keep the block on DOGE’s access to social security data.
The court’s entire slate of judges (en banc) weighed in on Wednesday: Chief Judge Diaz (Obama), Judge King (Clinton), Judge Gregory (Clinton), Judge Wynn (Obama), Judge Thacker (Obama), Judge Harris (Obama), Judge Heytens (Biden), Judge Benjamin (Biden), and Judge Berner (Biden) voted to deny the motion to stay.
Judge Wilkinson (Reagan), Judge Niemeyer (George H.W. Bush), Judge Agee (George W. Bush), Judge Richardson (Trump), Judge Quattlebaum (Trump), and Judge Rushing (Trump) voted to grant the motion to stay.
The Supreme Court on Friday granted emergency relief and allowed DOGE to do its job.