Saturday, March 29, 2025
In a dramatic political fallout, Elon Musk has publicly severed ties with U.S. President Donald Trump over a sweeping new legislative proposal known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The bill, which introduces major tax cuts while slashing spending on several federal programs—particularly electric vehicle (EV) subsidies—has sparked fierce opposition, with Musk becoming one of its most vocal critics.
Taking to his social media platform X, Musk vented his frustration, writing:
“Without me, Trump would’ve lost. Dems would control the House and the Senate would be 51–49 Republican.”
The post not only underscored his disappointment but also signaled a major rift between two of the most influential figures in conservative American politics.
Previously a key ally of Trump during his 2024 re-election campaign, Musk had reportedly donated over $250 million and helped shape the administration’s efficiency agenda while informally heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, the unveiling of the “Big Beautiful Bill” appears to have ended that political alliance.
Critics have labeled the bill a “Reverse Robin Hood” measure, arguing that it favors the wealthy by reducing their taxes while cutting essential public programs. Musk’s primary concern lies in the bill’s drastic reduction of EV tax credits, which could significantly impact Tesla’s market advantage. He also raised alarms about the bill’s long-term fiscal responsibility, estimating it could add $2.4 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade.
The market response has been swift. Tesla’s stock dropped notably after Musk’s statement, reflecting investor concern over the future of EV incentives and Musk’s increasing political entanglements. Analysts believe the instability could shake broader tech and green energy sectors, especially if the bill passes without major revisions.
As the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on the bill, Musk’s public dissent has emboldened several Republican lawmakers to express their own reservations. This could jeopardize the bill’s passage and expose growing ideological rifts within the GOP.
The Musk-Trump fallout sheds light on the fragile balance between private influence and public policy. It also raises pressing questions about how much sway billionaires should hold in the political process, especially when their corporate interests are directly involved.
As debate intensifies in Washington, the implications of this high-profile feud are likely to echo across both political and economic landscapes.
