Musk blasts Trump: 'Without me, He would have lost'

The once-close alliance between former President Donald Trump and billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk publicly unraveled on Thursday, as both traded sharp barbs over Trump’s proposed tax bill, which is currently under Senate review.

Trump accused Musk of turning against the bill because it eliminates tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs) and because the president rejected Musk’s preferred nominee, billionaire Jared Isaacman, for NASA chief.

“I’m very disappointed in Elon. I’ve helped Elon a lot,” Trump said at the White House. Just days earlier, he had praised Musk’s work in federal cost-cutting initiatives.

Musk responded with a curt “Whatever” on X, and criticized the bill’s content: “Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill — even though oil & gas subsidies remain (very unfair!!)—but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in it.”

He then claimed, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” adding that Democrats would be controlling the House and the GOP would have a narrower Senate majority without his $250 million in campaign support.

“Such ingratitude,” Musk wrote.

Tesla’s stock dropped over 8% amid the public fallout.

Trump dismissed Musk’s objections, saying, “Elon is upset because we took the EV mandate... that’s billions of dollars in subsidy.”

He insisted Musk knew about these provisions long ago and accused him of turning critical only after realizing what was at stake for his companies.

Regarding Isaacman, Trump said, “I’m sure Elon respected him, but I didn’t think it was appropriate to appoint a Democrat to run NASA.”

“I like Elon,” Trump concluded. “But I’d rather have him criticize me than this incredible bill.”