Trump Deems Musk a 'Space Clown' Amid Bitter Feud Over Policy and Power
In a stunning twist to their previously cordial relationship, former President Donald Trump has publicly labeled tech mogul Elon Musk a "space clown" after their fallout over policy disagreements, particularly surrounding Trump's massive new legislative initiative.
The escalating feud between the two high-profile figures has captivated both political and business observers, with Trump expressing "disappointment" over Musk's criticisms of his administration's tax reform bill. This legislation, which includes cuts to electric vehicle (EV) tax credits, vital to Tesla's success, has ignited a war of words between the two men, both of whom have shaped the landscape of American business and politics over the past decade.
Musk, who had been a close adviser to Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign and even led the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), first broke ranks when he publicly denounced the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" passed by the Trump administration. The billionaire entrepreneur, whose companies have relied heavily on government subsidies, including \$38 billion in federal support, argued that the bill would "cripple the electric vehicle industry" and threaten Tesla’s future.
"Space Clown" and "Derangement Syndrome"
Trump wasted no time firing back, calling Musk "a space clown" during a recent rally in Florida, citing the tech mogul's sudden shift in allegiance as a sign of "Trump Derangement Syndrome."
"I put this guy on the map. I helped him get where he is today, and now he's turning on me like this? It's unbelievable," Trump told his supporters, eliciting cheers from the crowd. “I don’t need a space clown like him trying to tell me how to run this country.”
Musk responded almost immediately via social media, posting a lengthy rebuttal that accused Trump of being ungrateful. He claimed that the former president’s reelection would never have been possible without his financial backing, and that Trump’s administration had been "entirely hostile" to technological innovation.
"I have been through this before," Musk tweeted. "Trump wants to pretend he’s the only one who’s made America great. But without me, he would’ve lost in 2024. He knows that."
The Policy Clash: EV Subsidies and Trump's Big Bill
The key issue sparking the rift is the massive "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which aims to overhaul the U.S. economy by slashing regulations and cutting corporate taxes. However, its provisions to scale back electric vehicle (EV) subsidies, which Musk had championed, became the breaking point.
The bill’s passage sent shockwaves through the tech and automotive industries, as several of Musk’s companies—including Tesla—rely heavily on these tax incentives. Critics, including Musk, argue that the bill could put the brakes on efforts to combat climate change, a cause Musk has relentlessly championed over the years.
For Trump, however, the bill represents his administration’s sweeping attempt to “make America more business-friendly” by eliminating what he deems as excessive green subsidies.
“I’m not afraid to make the tough calls. Musk wants the government to subsidize his fantasies, but real American businesses don't need handouts,” Trump added, further solidifying the ideological divide between the two men.
Financial Fallout: Stock Plunges and Political Risks
As the public feud heated up, the financial implications became evident. Tesla's stock plummeted 14%—its worst day since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—while shares in Trump’s media company, Trump Media & Technology Group, saw an 8% dip. The fallout from the "space clown" debacle has left both men facing political and financial scrutiny, with their once-symbiotic relationship showing signs of unraveling.
A New Political Divide?
Perhaps more significant than the financial loss is the growing political divide between Musk and Trump. Musk has hinted at forming a new political faction to represent what he describes as the "80 percent in the middle," a stance that seems to directly challenge Trump's populist agenda.
"I’m not interested in partisanship," Musk said in a recent interview. "The future is about unity, not division. We need a new way forward—one that embraces technology and progress, not blind loyalty to outdated ideologies."
Trump, on the other hand, has doubled down on his “America First” rhetoric, dismissing Musk’s political leanings as naive and out of touch.
Public Reactions: From Breakup Advice to Legal Concerns
As the drama unfolds, reactions have poured in from public figures, political analysts, and even Musk's family. Ashley St. Clair, an influencer and Musk’s 14th partner, took to social media to offer "breakup advice" to Trump, joking that "sometimes, you just have to let go of toxic relationships."
Musk’s remarks have also raised concerns about possible legal ramifications, as some speculated that his comments about Trump's ties to the controversial Jeffrey Epstein investigation might lead to further investigations. Whether these claims have any basis remains unclear, but it has undeniably added a new layer of tension to the already strained relationship.
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