Trump-Musk feud explodes as Trump floats cutting the billionaires government contracts
CNNMAY 27
Trump, Musk Feud Erupts Over Spending Bill Dispute
Above: U.S. President Donald Trump (L) and SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk depart from the Oval Office before going to board Marine One at the White House on March 21, 2025, in Washington, D.C., U.S. Image copyright: Anna Moneymaker/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Trump's right on the Big Beautiful Bill Act. Despite flaws — Congress isn't perfect — it slashes $1.6 trillion in expenses and delivers the biggest tax cut ever. Musk's complaint about it being a "disgusting abomination" ignores the dire alternative: a 68% tax hike that would cripple Americans. Trump's fixing a mess he didn't make, putting America on a path to greatness. Musk's unfortunate betrayal is his loss.
Conservative narrative
Musk's right to slam the Big Beautiful Bill Act. Trump's bowing to establishment Republicans, pushing a fiscally reckless bill that balloons the deficit and jacks up the debt ceiling by trillions. Worse, it includes alarming AI provisions, allowing corporate zoning for massive AI data centers to be built right next to residential areas. This isn't America first — it's a pork-filled betrayal. Musk's call for a leaner bill protects America's future.
Democratic narrative
This latest escalation is a distracting sideshow that underscores the dysfunction within the Republican ranks. Instead of offering substantive policy to help working families, Trump appears more focused on personal branding and media theatrics. Musk, meanwhile, continues to peddle influence from his billionaire perch, hardly aligned with the interests of average Americans. Voters deserve serious governance, not billionaire ego clashes.