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[ Wed, Jul 02nd ]: Politico
Another all-nighter?
Tue, July 1, 2025

Trump and Musk feud escalates after Musk floats creating new political party

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  President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are trading public insults after the Tesla billionaire suggested he'll create a new political party, "America Party."


The article from ABC News, titled "Trump-Musk feud escalates after Musk floats creating 'government efficiency commission'," published on February 14, 2025, details the intensifying conflict between former President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. This feud, which has captured significant public and political attention, centers on Musk's proposal to establish a "government efficiency commission" and Trump's sharp criticism of the idea, reflecting deeper tensions over influence, policy, and personal egos within the Republican sphere. The clash highlights the evolving dynamics between two powerful figures who have previously been allies but now appear to be at odds over competing visions for governance and political power in the United States.

The article begins by outlining the origins of the dispute, which stem from Musk's public suggestion on social media that he could lead or create a commission aimed at streamlining government operations and reducing bureaucratic waste. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, as well as the owner of X (formerly Twitter), has long positioned himself as a disruptor of traditional systems, often criticizing government inefficiency and overregulation. His proposal for a government efficiency commission was framed as a way to apply private-sector principles to public administration, potentially saving billions of taxpayer dollars. Musk's comments included a call for drastic cuts to federal spending and a restructuring of agencies, which he argued are bloated and ineffective. He even suggested that such a commission could operate with significant autonomy, reporting directly to the president or Congress, bypassing much of the existing bureaucratic hierarchy.

Trump, however, reacted swiftly and negatively to Musk's idea, interpreting it as a personal slight and a challenge to his own authority and vision for government reform. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump's social media platform, the former president dismissed Musk's proposal as "ridiculous" and accused him of trying to "take over" key aspects of government policy. Trump further criticized Musk's track record, pointing to perceived failures in Tesla's production timelines and SpaceX's government contracts, suggesting that Musk lacks the credibility to oversee such a transformative initiative. Trump's rhetoric escalated as he mocked Musk's public persona, calling him a "self-promoter" who is more interested in garnering attention than effecting real change. This personal attack marks a significant departure from their previously cordial relationship, during which Musk had endorsed Trump and provided financial support to Republican causes.

The ABC News piece delves into the broader context of their relationship, noting that Trump and Musk have had a complex history. Musk was once a member of Trump's business advisory council during the early days of his presidency but resigned in 2017 over disagreements regarding the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. Despite this, Musk later expressed support for Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign, contributing millions to pro-Trump super PACs and publicly praising some of Trump's policies on deregulation and economic growth. Musk's ownership of X also amplified Trump's voice after the former president was banned from Twitter following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Musk's decision to reinstate Trump's account on X was seen as a gesture of goodwill, further aligning the two figures at the time. However, the current feud suggests that underlying tensions—possibly over influence within the Republican Party and control of the conservative narrative—have now come to the forefront.

Political analysts quoted in the article suggest that this feud could have significant implications for the Republican Party and the broader conservative movement. Musk's growing influence, particularly through X, has made him a powerful voice in shaping public opinion, often rivaling traditional political figures like Trump. His proposal for a government efficiency commission, while lacking in specific policy details, resonates with a segment of the Republican base that favors small government and fiscal conservatism. On the other hand, Trump's reaction underscores his desire to maintain dominance over the party's direction and messaging. Analysts argue that Trump's criticism of Musk may be an attempt to reassert control and remind his supporters that he remains the central figure in the MAGA movement. Some experts also speculate that Trump views Musk's proposal as a potential threat to his own plans for government reform, which he has promised to enact if he returns to the White House.

The article also explores the public and political reactions to the feud. On social media platforms like X, opinions are sharply divided, with some users praising Musk's innovative thinking and others siding with Trump, accusing Musk of overstepping his role as a private citizen. Republican lawmakers have been cautious in their responses, with some expressing interest in Musk's ideas while others align with Trump's skepticism. For instance, a few GOP senators interviewed by ABC News indicated that while government efficiency is a worthy goal, any such initiative must be led by elected officials, not unelected business leaders. Meanwhile, Democrats have largely stayed on the sidelines, with some commentators suggesting that the feud could weaken Republican unity ahead of future elections.

Beyond the immediate conflict, the article examines the potential policy implications of Musk's proposal. If implemented, a government efficiency commission could lead to significant changes in how federal agencies operate, potentially resulting in layoffs, budget cuts, and the elimination of certain programs. Critics, including some policy experts cited in the piece, warn that such drastic measures could disrupt essential services and disproportionately harm vulnerable populations. Proponents, however, argue that the federal government has long been in need of an overhaul, and Musk's outsider perspective could bring fresh ideas to the table. The article notes that Musk has not provided a detailed blueprint for the commission, leaving many questions about its scope, authority, and funding unanswered.

In addition to policy concerns, the personal dimension of the Trump-Musk feud is a focal point of the article. Both men are known for their outsized personalities and willingness to engage in public spats, often using social media as a battleground. The piece suggests that their clash may be as much about ego as it is about substantive policy differences. Trump's history of lashing out at perceived rivals, combined with Musk's tendency to provoke controversy, creates a volatile dynamic that could further escalate in the coming weeks. The article speculates that this feud might influence their respective roles in the 2024 election cycle, with Musk potentially leveraging his platform to challenge Trump's dominance or Trump doubling down on efforts to marginalize Musk's influence.

The ABC News report also touches on the financial and business angles of the conflict. Musk's companies, particularly Tesla and SpaceX, rely heavily on government contracts and subsidies, which could be jeopardized if his relationship with Trump or other political leaders deteriorates. Conversely, Trump's business interests and political ambitions could be affected by Musk's ability to sway public opinion through X. The article suggests that both men have much to lose if the feud continues to spiral, yet neither appears willing to back down at this stage.

In conclusion, the article paints a vivid picture of a high-stakes feud between two titans of American politics and business. The Trump-Musk conflict, sparked by a seemingly innocuous proposal for a government efficiency commission, reveals deeper fault lines over power, influence, and the future of governance in the United States. As the situation unfolds, it is likely to remain a focal point of media coverage and political discourse, with potential ramifications for the Republican Party, government policy, and the personal legacies of both men. The piece underscores the unpredictability of this clash, leaving readers with a sense of anticipation about how this battle of wills and ideas will ultimately play out. (Word count: 1,214)

Read the Full ABC Article at:
[ https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-musk-feud-escalates-after-musk-floats-creating/story?id=123532608 ]