The fallout between tech billionaire Elon Musk and former U.S. President Donald Trump escalated on Thursday, as both men exchanged sharp words following Musk’s sudden resignation from Trump’s cabinet.
Musk, who served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), stepped down last week just a day after publicly opposing the administration’s flagship policy, the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
The bill, which combines tax cuts with tough immigration and welfare reforms, has drawn criticism from Musk, who described it as “fiscally reckless.”
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who had been a prominent supporter of Trump, has since become increasingly vocal in his opposition to the legislation, calling on Congress to kill the bill.
His criticism has reportedly irritated Trump, who broke his silence on the matter during a press briefing with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Oval Office.
“We had a great relationship—Elon and I,” Trump told reporters. “I don’t know if we will anymore. He hasn’t said bad about me personally, but I’m sure that’ll be next. I’m very disappointed. I’ve helped Elon a lot.”
Trump accused Musk of suffering from what he called “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” a term he uses for former allies turned critics.
“People leave my administration, they love us. Then, at some point, they miss it so badly. Some embrace it, others become hostile.”
Musk, in a swift rebuttal on X (formerly Twitter), dismissed Trump’s remarks, suggesting that the former president owed his political success to him. “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House, and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate,” he posted. “Such ingratitude.”
The spat marks a clear breakdown in what was once seen as a strategic alliance between the controversial tech mogul and the equally polarising ex-president.
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