Once, they praised each other in public. Now, they trade jabs online.
President Donald J. Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk — once powerful allies — are locked in an increasingly personal and public feud. The fallout is playing out not behind closed doors, but across their duelling social media platforms, Truth Social and X.
What was once a political bromance has quickly soured into a bitter rivalry. Both men are known for their strong egos and even stronger followings. Now, they appear determined to outdo each other — in reach, in rhetoric, and in raw influence.
“Elon made Trump president. That’s just a fact,” said a former senior campaign staffer who worked on Trump’s 2016 and 2020 bids. Speaking anonymously to discuss private matters, the source added, “Without Elon’s backing early on, Trump wouldn’t have gotten the tech world’s attention. That mattered.”
Musk hasn’t denied it.
In a recent post on X, the Tesla and SpaceX chief seemed to hint at his role in Trump’s rise. “Some people forget how they got where they are,” he wrote. “But history remembers.”
Trump, never one to let a comment go unanswered, shot back on Truth Social: “Elon was a fan. Now he thinks he runs the country. He doesn’t.”
From Partners to Rivals
The friendship was once real — or at least useful. Musk joined Trump’s advisory councils during the early days of his first term. He later left over disagreements on climate policy, but the two kept in contact. Musk’s rise as a powerful online voice mirrored Trump’s own digital brand.
Their shared enemies — mainstream media, political elites, tech critics — gave them common ground.
Now, that ground has shifted.
People close to the situation say the turning point came early this year, when Musk refused to back Trump’s second-term agenda publicly. Insiders say Trump saw it as betrayal. Musk, meanwhile, appeared to be distancing himself from any one political party.
“Trump has the power of the presidency,” said Dr. Rebecca Monroe, a political analyst at Georgetown University. “Musk has a global platform and an almost cult-like following. Neither man takes kindly to being challenged.”
A War of Platforms
What makes this spat different is where it’s happening. Trump is posting almost daily on Truth Social, calling Musk “ungrateful” and “a distraction.” Musk, through X, is sharing polls, commentary, and memes — all with thinly veiled digs at the White House.
“It’s like a digital street fight,” said Samuel Reed, a social media researcher based in New York. “And both men are using their platforms as weapons.”
With X, Musk controls one of the world’s largest real-time conversations. Trump, through Truth Social, speaks directly to his base — many of whom remain loyal regardless of the headlines.
Both platforms are now doubling as political arenas.
What’s at Stake
Behind the drama lies a deeper concern: the potential fallout on the 2024 campaign — and possibly beyond.
Because the two were once so close, insiders say the risk of damaging revelations is real. From campaign donations to private meetings, anything that leaks could become political dynamite.
“They shared ideas, allies, and strategy,” said a former Republican National Committee staffer. “Now that they’re enemies, don’t be surprised if some secrets come out.”
Musk has already hinted he may fund an independent candidate — a move that could split conservative voters. Trump’s team has dismissed it as “noise,” but few in Washington are ignoring the threat.
For now, neither side is backing down.
In public, they attack. Behind the scenes, advisers scramble to control the narrative. What’s clear is this: two of the most powerful figures in America are at odds — and they’re not done fighting.
Whether this is just personal or turns political remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the break-up of Trump and Musk is no longer just gossip. It’s a story with real stakes.
