Trump-Musk, end of bromance: public breakup after accusations and tensions over bill

From collaboration on Doge to social media frostiness: the billionaire accuses, the president responds. The crisis after months of political alliance and record funding

After almost a year of intense political alliance, the relationship between US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk has publicly soured, amid vitriolic posts and mutual accusations. What began as a ‘bromance’ built on trust, visibility and prestigious appointments has turned into a heated confrontation, culminating in the breakup on 5 June.

The relationship between the two took shape on 13 July 2024, when Musk – a few hours after the attempted assassination of Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania – expressed his support on X. From that moment on, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX became one of the Republican candidate’s biggest supporters, donating over $250 million to his election campaign and securing a key role in the future administration: the leadership of the Doge, the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.

Musk had also participated in public events and rallies, wearing Trump campaign symbols and reinforcing the image of an unprecedented collaboration between politics and business. Until the turning point on 28 May, when the entrepreneur announced his withdrawal from the administration, speaking of a return to his priorities: Mars, robotics and electric mobility.

A few days later, the climate heated up. On 3 June, Musk harshly attacked a spending bill supported by Republicans, calling it ‘a disgusting abomination’ and threatening a ‘political clean-up’ in 2026. President Trump, initially conciliatory, then admitted that his relationship with Musk ‘is no longer great’.

Musk’s response came in a direct post on X: ‘Without me, Trump would have lost the election. The Democrats would have control of the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate.’ These words mark a breaking point that is difficult to repair, at least for now.

THE LATEST NEWS

• International-News

BBC faces criticism over media coverage bias in Gaza and Iran

9 Gennaio 2026

Diplomatic and political figures highlight the uneven reporting of Gaza conflict and Iranian protests In recent days, the BBC and...

Read More

• International-News

Trump warning to Tehran: severe consequences if more protesters die

8 Gennaio 2026

President Trump issues a stern warning as Iran’s death toll rises and the internet remains shut down Trump warning to...

Read More

• International-News

Venezuela prisoner release announced by National Assembly President

8 Gennaio 2026

The head of Venezuela’s National Assembly announces the imminent release of “a significant number” of detainees, including foreign nationals, as...

Read More

• International-News

Khamenei fears a fate similar to Maduro, Iran expert explains current risks

8 Gennaio 2026

Analyst warns the Iranian Supreme Leader prioritizes martyrdom over fleeing, despite U.S. threats Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is...

Read More

• International-News

Macron criticizes U.S. approach to global alliances at Paris conference

8 Gennaio 2026

The French president warns against new forms of colonialism and urges strategic autonomy for Europe French President Emmanuel Macron has...

Read More

• International-News

U.S. control over Venezuela could last for years, Trump says on policy

8 Gennaio 2026

In a wide-ranging interview, the president signals a prolonged U.S. role in Caracas, with energy recovery at the center of...

Read More

(Photo: © AndKronos)