A decade-old feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump is once again stirring up significant disagreement, drawing attention from media outlets and political observers alike. The rift between these two high-profile figures dates back to the early 2010s, when their respective ideologies and actions began to clash in public and private spheres. While Musk is a renowned entrepreneur and the CEO of several high-profile companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, Trump, at the time, was a reality TV star and businessman. As the years passed and their careers evolved, so too did their relationship, marked by tension, rivalry, and mutual disdain.
The initial points of contention between Musk and Trump revolve around their differences in political ideologies and approaches to business. Musk, a self-proclaimed advocate for innovation, sustainability, and technology, often found himself at odds with Trump’s “America First” rhetoric, which prioritized nationalism, deregulation, and traditional industries like oil and gas. Musk, who has frequently voiced his concerns over climate change and his commitment to renewable energy, saw Trump’s policies as backward and detrimental to the progress of the clean energy industry. The turning point came in 2017, when Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement, an international accord aimed at combating climate change. Musk, an outspoken critic of Trump’s decision, resigned from Trump’s advisory councils, citing his disagreement with the president’s stance on the environment.
Another flashpoint in their feud came in the context of business. While Musk initially supported Trump’s presidency, especially regarding tax cuts and deregulation that were seen as beneficial for tech companies, their relationship soured over time. Musk, who had initially attempted to navigate the political waters by maintaining a relatively neutral stance, found himself increasingly distanced from Trump’s actions. The former president’s controversial policies, such as the immigration ban and trade wars with China, put Musk in a difficult position, especially considering the international nature of his companies. Musk’s Tesla, for example, relies heavily on global trade, and disruptions caused by Trump’s tariffs and protectionist measures created tensions between the two men.
just one more mean tweet and then maybe you’ll love yourself…
— Sam Altman (@sama) January 23, 2025
The feud intensified during the 2020 presidential election, when Musk made it clear that he did not support Trump’s bid for re-election. In interviews and on social media, Musk began to express his discontent with Trump’s handling of the pandemic and his divisive political rhetoric. Musk’s calls for a more unifying approach to leadership starkly contrasted with Trump’s combative style, further widening the rift between them.
In response, Trump has frequently taken jabs at Musk in public speeches and interviews, criticizing Musk’s political positions and accusing him of being out of touch with American values. Trump has also targeted Musk’s companies, particularly Tesla, questioning their profitability and the viability of electric vehicles as the future of the automotive industry. Despite Musk’s success in creating innovative technologies, Trump has painted him as part of a liberal elite that is disconnected from the struggles of the average American worker.
The feud between Musk and Trump is emblematic of the broader ideological divide that has emerged in recent years between Silicon Valley and traditional political elites. While Musk represents a new wave of tech-driven entrepreneurship and global thinking, Trump embodies a populist approach that rejects globalization and embraces a more nationalistic, protectionist agenda. Their disagreement reflects not only personal animosity but also a deeper cultural and political divide that continues to shape American discourse.
As Musk’s influence continues to grow, particularly with his acquisition of Twitter and his ventures into space exploration, the tension with Trump is unlikely to dissipate anytime soon. The two men, with their contrasting visions for the future of America, remain locked in a feud that will likely continue to play out on the public stage for years to come.
