Trump Reveals Musk Friendship Unraveling Amid Government Feud

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's previously cooperative relationship deteriorated following Musk's tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), culminating in a public feud marked by personal insults and policy disagreements. Trump expressed surprise at Musk's endorsement during the 2024 election, given his efforts to end federal electric vehicle mandates, which Musk did not initially challenge. Musk reassured Trump that competing on an equal footing was sufficient, but their relationship soured over smaller issues after that. Musk publicly criticized Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' after leaving DOGE, and the tension escalated with Musk making controversial claims about Trump, including alleging his name appeared in the Epstein files, which he later deleted. The discord was highlighted during a congressional hearing where Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was questioned about a physical altercation with Musk in the White House, stemming from Musk's unfulfilled promises to save the administration a trillion dollars. Despite the fallout, Trump referred to Musk as 'a friend' but acknowledged Musk had become 'a little bit strange,' while the president continued to block policies favoring electric vehicles, further straining their alliance.