From Allies to Adversaries: The Rise and Fall of Trump and Musk’s Political Bromance
Once hailed as one of the most powerful political alliances in America, the relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has now unraveled into public hostility, with the two titans exchanging bitter barbs online.
Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and owner of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, was once a staunch Democrat and an outspoken critic of President Trump during his first term. But everything changed after the July 2024 assassination attempt on Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“I fully support President Trump and wish him a swift recovery,” Musk posted on X minutes after the shooting—a gesture that marked the beginning of a fast-forming and surprisingly close relationship.
By late July, Musk revealed he had founded and was funding a super PAC to advance Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda. In the months that followed, Musk became a regular fixture at Trump’s campaign events, reportedly pouring nearly $300 million into efforts supporting the former president. Among his moves: launching a $1 million giveaway campaign targeting swing-state voters to boost turnout for Trump.
The donation was one of the largest personal contributions ever made to a presidential campaign. And when Trump claimed victory, he publicly thanked Musk during his speech at Mar-a-Lago: “A star is born—his name is Elon.”
During the transition period, Musk made frequent visits to Mar-a-Lago, where he and Trump were often seen laughing together. Musk also attended Trump’s January 20 inauguration—one of the few tech moguls to do so—and was later sworn in as a special government employee, appointed to lead the newly created Government Operations Efficiency Group (DOGE), an initiative launched by Trump on Day One to streamline the federal government.
Under the 130-day appointment, Musk became the face of DOGE, helping drive Trump’s government-reduction agenda. In February, Musk posted on X, “I love Donald Trump as much as a man can love another man,” tagging the president directly.
Together, the two forged what many described as the most dominant political partnership in the country. Trump appeared to give Musk near-total authority over his government overhaul, while Musk poured his energy and fortune into the cause. Musk even brought his son to the Oval Office during visits, a symbol of just how close their bond had become.
Even when Musk clashed with senior officials over budget cuts and faced public backlash for his dual role as both a government official and a tech CEO, Trump stood by him. The president repeatedly defended Musk against accusations of conflicts of interest, insisting that Musk would never be allowed to take on any government role that posed ethical concerns.
In late February, Musk attended Trump’s first full Cabinet meeting, where Trump praised him for “sacrificing a great deal” to serve the country. Then, in a highly publicized March event, Trump turned the White House lawn into a Tesla showcase, announcing he had purchased a red Model S. The move was widely seen as a show of support for Musk, whose company was under fire globally for his increasingly political role.
Musk’s official term at DOGE ended in May. At a farewell ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump lauded him as “one of the greatest innovators and business leaders the world has ever seen.” But just days after his departure, cracks began to form.
On June 3, Musk launched a blistering attack on the GOP’s new megabill—Trump’s flagship legislative initiative—calling it “an obscene and grotesque spending monstrosity” and accusing lawmakers who supported it of acting in bad faith. “Shame on those who voted for this,” he wrote on X. “You knew better.”
At first, Trump stayed silent. But on June 5, his patience appeared to run out.
“I’m very disappointed,” Trump said. “Elon understands the ins and outs of this bill better than anyone in the room... and suddenly he’s got a problem with it?” He then accused Musk of having “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” “We had a great relationship. I don’t know if we still do.”
Musk fired back minutes later, posting: “Without me, Trump would’ve lost. Democrats would control the House, and the GOP would barely hold the Senate at 51-49. This is what I get? Ungrateful.”
Trump responded with threats to cut billions in government contracts with Musk’s companies—including rocket launches and Starlink deals—estimated to be worth $18 billion. Musk, in turn, accused Trump of appearing in unsealed government documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “That’s why they haven’t been made public,” he wrote.
In less than a year, one of the most influential political alliances in modern U.S. history has collapsed. Once partners in reshaping Washington, Trump and Musk are now locked in a fierce, very public feud—on opposite ends of the political battlefield.
(Sources: Washington Post, Politico, NPR)
Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day.
Are you looking for reliable airport and cruise port transfer services in Los Angeles?
We offer professional, safe, and punctual transportation from
Los Angeles Airport - LAX
Long Beach Airport - LGB
John Wayne Airport - SNA
San Pedro cruise port
Long Beach cruise port
Disneyland
and other destinations.
Let us make your journey stress-free and comfortable with our dedicated drivers and high-quality vehicles. Book now for the perfect travel experience at www.helloshuttle.com or call 944-800-5678!
