Trump-Musk Feud Shakes Politics and Markets

The high-profile alliance between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk collapsed in 2025, resulting in a public feud characterized by mutual accusations, threats, and financial fallout. Musk, who donated hundreds of millions to Trump’s 2024 campaign and previously enjoyed close ties to the White House, criticized Trump's major spending bill as fiscally irresponsible, triggering the split. The dispute escalated into online insults and led to Trump threatening Musk's government contracts, while Tesla's stock experienced a sharp decline. Commentators note that the feud challenges stereotypes about male rationality in leadership, underscoring the emotional volatility and performative nature of today’s political elite. The conflict highlights how personal ambition and ego can destabilize political and financial landscapes. The Trump-Musk breakup is seen as a consequential event with potential impacts on government, markets, and the broader democratic narrative.