The connection between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk has reached a significant breaking point, as these two prominent individuals engage in public criticisms and political threats. Once regarded as close allies—especially during Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency—their relationship has now soured. Musk’s announcement of the formation of the “America Party” represents a direct challenge to both the Republican and Democratic parties, further heightening tensions.
The fallout escalated when Musk, while distancing himself from politics, made a brief and controversial assertion that Donald Trump was mentioned in a sealed section of the Epstein files. Although Musk later issued an apology, the damage had already been inflicted. Their conflict reignited after Trump introduced the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a legislative initiative that Musk vehemently opposed, contending it would lead to the loss of millions of American jobs.
In retaliation, Musk not only pledged to campaign against the bill but also announced his intention to establish a third party. Trump dismissed Musk’s political ambitions as “absurd,” highlighting that third parties have historically struggled in the U.S. He reiterated his position on Truth Social, labeling Musk a “train wreck” and attributing their rift to disagreements over electric vehicle subsidies, which have a direct effect on Musk’s Tesla business.
Trump also accused Musk of attempting to exert inappropriate influence by nominating his associate Jared Isaacman for the position of NASA administrator. Following Musk’s resignation from the DOGE position, the nomination was retracted, a decision Trump publicly supported as essential for ethical considerations.
Despite Trump’s doubts, Musk remains resolute. On his platform X, he accused both major political parties of corruption and pledged that the America Party would restore freedom. Whether this ambitious new direction will gain momentum remains uncertain, but for the time being, the political divide between Trump and Musk appears both personal and irreparable.