Musk-Trump Political Feud Intensifies Over US Spending Bill

In 2025, a public political feud has erupted between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and President Donald Trump over the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill,' a broad policy package that Musk criticizes for increasing the U.S. debt ceiling by $5 trillion. Musk has called for a new political party and pledged support for primary challengers against Republicans who backed the bill, including Kentucky GOP Rep. Thomas Massie, who has drawn Trump's ire for opposing key policies. Trump retaliated by threatening Musk's businesses and criticizing the billionaire on social media. The conflict has stirred significant attention among investors, particularly those holding Tesla-centric ETFs, given Tesla's prominence in major funds. Chinese social media users have shown tongue-in-cheek support for Musk's political vision, while political analysts note that Musk, Massie, and Senator Rand Paul share a libertarian stance that opposes Trump's big government approach. This ongoing feud marks a turbulent chapter in the complex relationship between Musk and Trump, which began with Musk's endorsement of Trump following the 2024 assassination attempt but has since deteriorated amid policy disputes.