Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump has shed new light on his private discussions with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, revealing details of their strained relationship amid intense debates over electric vehicle (EV) mandates and federal subsidies.
During a recent press appearance, Trump described Musk as “a friend” but admitted that “things got a little bit strange” between them after political and business tensions surfaced. “Elon and I have had great talks,” Trump said. “But some random little things made it rocky.”
⚡ EV Policy: Common Ground and Conflicts
According to Trump, Musk initially supported Trump’s position on EV subsidies, as long as all automakers were treated equally. “Elon told me, if no one gets tax breaks, Tesla will still win,” Trump recalled.
However, the relationship reportedly soured after Trump withdrew support for Jared Isaacman, a private astronaut and Musk ally, from a NASA appointment — a move believed to be influenced by internal conflicts with Musk-backed figures.
🧾 Budget Battles and Public Feuds
Tensions reached a boiling point over Trump’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill”, a sweeping budget proposal that eliminated several green energy initiatives. Musk opposed the bill, criticizing it as “bloated” and “bad for innovation.”
Musk later publicly attacked Trump on social media, even suggesting impeachment after unverified claims linked Trump to Jeffrey Epstein surfaced. In response, Trump threatened to cancel federal contracts with Tesla and SpaceX, escalating the standoff.
🕊️ De-escalation and Uncertain Peace
Despite the friction, Musk reportedly deleted the controversial posts and reached out to Trump privately. Trump acknowledged the gesture: “He cleaned things up. We’ll see what happens next.”
Still, the former president made it clear that while the two remain influential figures in American industry and politics, their alliance is fragile and subject to change.
🚗 Fallout for the EV Industry
Trump’s aggressive rollback of EV mandates and pushback against federal subsidies have reshaped the playing field. Analysts believe Tesla may actually benefit in a deregulated market, as the company is less reliant on government support compared to legacy automakers.
However, critics argue that the lack of a consistent national EV policy creates uncertainty for consumers, manufacturers, and investors alike.
🌐 What It All Means
The Trump–Musk dynamic reflects deeper ideological divides in America’s transition to clean energy:
-
Trump favors market-driven innovation without federal intervention.
-
Musk, while opposing wasteful spending, has benefited from and sometimes defended federal incentives for green tech.
As the 2024 campaign season heats up, expect their relationship — and its impact on EV policy — to remain in the spotlight.
