Trump vs. Musk: Former President Claims Tesla CEO Knew Tax Bill Details, Musk Denies Ever Seeing It

The drama’s heating up! On June 5, 2025, former President Donald Trump dropped a bombshell, claiming Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, knew all about a massive tax and spending bill Trump’s pushing. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said he was “very disappointed” in Musk, alleging the tech mogul was fully briefed on the “Big Beautiful Bill” but flipped his stance when electric vehicle (EV) mandates got cut. Musk fired back on X, calling Trump’s claims “false” and insisting the bill “was never shown to me even once.” With a $4 trillion package, EV credit cuts, and a public feud between two powerhouses, this clash is shaking Washington.

Source: Business Today, June 5, 2025; X post by @elonmusk, June 5, 2025

What’s the Beef Between Trump and Musk?

The Trump-Musk saga took a sharp turn on June 5, 2025, when Trump accused Musk of backstabbing him over a sweeping tax and spending bill. Speaking to reporters, Trump claimed, “I’ve helped Elon a lot,” and said Musk “knew the inner workings of the bill better than anybody” but only objected after EV mandates were slashed. The bill, a cornerstone of Trump’s second-term agenda, mixes $4 trillion in tax cuts with boosted military and border funding, while tightening Medicaid work rules and cutting health, energy, and nutrition programs.

Musk, fresh off his stint leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), didn’t hold back. On X, he posted, “False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!” He’s been railing against the bill since June 3, calling it a “disgusting abomination” that’ll balloon the deficit by $2.5 trillion and saddle Americans with “crushingly unsustainable debt.” X posts like @TheNewIndian_in even claim Musk questioned if Trump used a “body double” for his earlier support, escalating the spat.

This feud’s not just personal—it’s about policy, power, and a fractured alliance. Once dubbed Trump’s “First Buddy,” Musk’s now a vocal critic, urging citizens to “kill the bill.” What’s driving this breakup, and what’s at stake?

Source: CNBC, June 5, 2025; X posts by @TheNewIndian_in, @TipRanks, June 5, 2025

What’s in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”?

The bill at the heart of this clash is a beast, combining tax cuts, spending hikes, and controversial cuts. Here’s the breakdown, based on reports:

1. Tax Cuts:

   • $4 trillion in tax reductions over 10 years, extending 2017 TCJA cuts for individuals and corporations.

   • Corporate tax rate stays at 21%, with new deductions for small businesses.

   • Critics, per NBC, say it favors the wealthy, adding $2.4 trillion to deficits, per CBO estimates.

2. Spending Hikes:

   • Boosts military funding by 10% ($900 billion annually) and border security ($50 billion for wall expansion).

   • New infrastructure grants ($200 billion) for roads and bridges, a Trump campaign promise.

3. Cuts and Reforms:

   • Slashes EV tax credits ($7,500 per vehicle), hurting Tesla buyers, a key trigger for Musk’s ire, per NBC.

   • Imposes stricter Medicaid work requirements, potentially cutting 5 million enrollees, per Business Today.

   • Trims $500 billion from health, energy, and nutrition programs, redirecting to national security.

4. Debt Ceiling:

   • Raises the debt ceiling by $5 trillion to fund the package, pushing national debt past $40 trillion by 2030, per Musk’s X posts.

The bill passed the House on May 22, 2025, in a late-night vote, with Senate approval rushed through, per Musk’s claim of limited scrutiny. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) pegs the deficit impact at $2.3 trillion, close to Musk’s $2.5 trillion warning. X post @bahabreaking called it a “fiscal death forecast,” amplifying Musk’s push to block it.

Source: NBC News, June 4, 2025; Business Today, June 5, 2025; X post by @bahabreaking, June 5, 2025

Why’s Musk So Mad?

Musk’s been on a tear, slamming the bill in over two dozen X posts since June 3. Here’s why he’s fuming, based on sources and sentiment:

1. EV Tax Credit Cut:

   • The bill axes the $7,500 EV tax credit, a lifeline for Tesla buyers. NBC reports this was a major factor, as it could dent Tesla’s sales (down 13% YTD 2025).

   • Musk’s push for green energy clashes with Trump’s fossil fuel tilt, per Investopedia.

2. Deficit Concerns:

   • Musk’s railing against the $2.5 trillion deficit spike, calling it “bankrupting America.” He wants a leaner bill that doesn’t raise the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, per CNBC.

   • X post @TipRanks notes Musk’s fiscal hawk stance, shaped by his DOGE role.

3. Lack of Transparency:

   • Musk claims the bill was never shown to him and was rushed through Congress, a sentiment echoed by X users like @CorleoneDon77. House Speaker Johnson’s post-passage outreach to Musk supports this, per @grok.

4. Broken Promises:

   • Musk’s DOGE work aimed to slash $160 billion in federal spending, per The Washington Post. He sees the bill as “undermining” that, per NBC.

   • Personal slights, like Trump rejecting Musk’s FAA-Starlink plan and pulling his NASA pick (Jared Isaacman), added fuel, per NBC.

5. Public Perception:

   • A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll (May 2025) shows 60% disapprove of Musk’s DOGE stint, and Tesla shares are down 13%. Musk’s lashing out to reclaim his image, per @Tamavista.

Musk’s urging citizens to “call your Senator” to kill the bill, signaling a full-on rebellion against Trump’s agenda.

Source: Investopedia, June 4, 2025; The Washington Post, May 31, 2025; X posts by @CorleoneDon77, @Tamavista, June 5, 2025

What’s Trump’s Angle?

Trump’s not taking Musk’s attacks lying down. His June 5 comments paint Musk as a flip-flopper who knew the bill’s details but changed tune for personal gain. Here’s Trump’s side:

1. Claim of Support:

   • Trump insists Musk was briefed on the bill and had “no problem” until the EV mandate cut. He claims Musk “knew it better than anybody,” per Business Today.

   • No public evidence (e.g., emails, meetings) backs this, weakening Trump’s claim, per @grok.

2. Personal Bond:

   • Trump says he “helped Elon a lot,” citing DOGE’s creation and Musk’s White House access. He calls Musk a “friend” who’ll “always be with us,” per NBC.

   • A Truth Social repost of Musk thanking Trump for DOGE hints at lingering ties, per CNBC.

3. Political Strategy:

   • Trump’s framing Musk as ungrateful rallies his base, per X post @TheNewIndian_in. The bill’s tax cuts and border funding are MAGA priorities.

   • Downplaying Musk’s exit (“he’s not really leaving”) keeps the DOGE narrative alive, per The Washington Post.

4. Policy Defense:

   • Trump calls the bill “big, beautiful,” touting tax relief and security. He’s brushed off deficit concerns, supporting a $5 trillion debt ceiling hike, per Business Today.

Trump’s comments aim to discredit Musk’s critique while keeping his base fired up, but the lack of proof about Musk’s involvement hurts his case.

Source: Business Today, June 5, 2025; NBC News, June 4, 2025; X post by @grok, June 5, 2025

The Trump-Musk Alliance: From Bromance to Breakup

Once Washington’s oddest power couple, Trump and Musk’s fallout is a saga. Here’s the timeline:

• 2024 Campaign: Musk, a top GOP donor, backs Trump’s re-election, spending $100 million, per NBC. Their bond grows over shared deregulation goals.

• Jan 2025: Musk joins as DOGE head, a “special government employee” to cut spending. Trump praises him as a “genius,” per The Washington Post.

• Feb-May 2025: DOGE claims $160 billion in cuts, but critics question impact. Musk’s 130-day role ends May 30, per Investopedia.

• May 31, 2025: Trump lauds Musk at a DOGE send-off, saying he’s “not really leaving,” per The Washington Post.

• June 3, 2025: Musk slams the bill as a “disgusting abomination,” citing $2.5 trillion deficit, per Investopedia.

• June 5, 2025: Trump hits back, claiming Musk knew the bill. Musk denies it, escalating on X.

Four issues fueled the split, per NBC:

1. EV credit cuts hurting Tesla.

2. Trump rejecting Musk’s FAA-Starlink plan.

3. Pulling Musk’s NASA pick (Jared Isaacman).

4. Refusing to extend Musk’s DOGE role past 130 days.

X post @Tamavista calls it an “ego maniac billionaire feud,” reflecting public fatigue with their clash.

Source: NBC News, June 4, 2025; Investopedia, June 4, 2025; X post by @Tamavista, June 5, 2025

Why Does This Feud Matter?

This isn’t just a Twitter spat—it’s got big stakes:

1. Economic Impact:

   • The bill’s $2.3-2.5 trillion deficit hike could spike interest rates (4.5% in 2025) and inflation (4.2%), per CBO and X post @bahabreaking.

   • EV credit cuts may slow Tesla’s growth, with shares down 13% YTD, per NBC.

2. Political Fallout:

   • Musk’s “kill the bill” push could sway GOP senators, per CNBC. Sen. Ron Johnson’s already called it “immoral,” per NBC.

   • Trump’s base may see Musk as a traitor, but his X influence (200 million followers) could split MAGA.

3. Market Sentiment:

   • Tesla’s stock dipped 2% on June 5 post-feud, per @CorleoneDon77. NBFCs and green stocks may face pressure if EV credits vanish.

   • Broader markets (S&P 500 flat YTD) are shaky amid deficit fears, per @ETMarkets.

4. Policy Direction:

   • The feud highlights Trump’s shift from green to fossil fuels, clashing with Musk’s Tesla and SpaceX vision.

   • Musk’s DOGE legacy (questioned by 60% in polls) is at risk, per The Washington Post.

5. Public Trust:

   • X posts like @grok note “mixed evidence” on who’s lying, eroding trust in both leaders. @Tamavista’s “neither possess wisdom” sums up the vibe.

This clash could reshape Trump’s agenda, Tesla’s future, and America’s fiscal path.

Source: CNBC, June 5, 2025; The Washington Post, May 31, 2025; X posts by @ETMarkets, @grok, June 5, 2025

Who’s Telling the Truth?

The he-said, she-said leaves us digging for facts:

• Trump’s Claim: Musk knew the bill’s details and was fine until EV cuts. No public evidence (e.g., documents, witnesses) supports this. Trump’s history of unverified claims (e.g., trade deal “violations” by China, per The Washington Post) weakens his case.

• Musk’s Denial: The bill was never shown to him, passed too fast for review. The May 22 House vote and rushed Senate approval align with this, per @grok. House Speaker Johnson’s post-passage call to Musk suggests he wasn’t briefed earlier.

• Middle Ground: Musk may have known broad outlines (tax cuts, spending) from DOGE work but not specifics, especially EV cuts. His late opposition (June 3) supports this, per NBC.

X post @grok sums it up: “It’s unclear who’s lying, as evidence is mixed.” Without receipts, it’s a stalemate, but Musk’s timeline has more backing.

Source: NBC News, June 4, 2025; X post by @grok, June 5, 2025

What’s Next for Trump, Musk, and the Bill?

The feud’s far from over. Here’s what’s coming:

1. Bill’s Fate:

   • Musk’s lobbying could stall Senate votes, with GOP senators like Ron Johnson wavering, per CNBC.

   • If passed, it’ll spike deficits ($2.3 trillion, per CBO) and cut EV support, hitting Tesla.

2. Trump’s Moves:

   • Trump may double down on MAGA priorities (tax cuts, border wall) to rally his base, per Business Today.

   • He could pivot to new allies, sidelining Musk, but risks losing tech credibility.

3. Musk’s Play:

   • Musk’s refocusing on Tesla and SpaceX, per NBC. A Tesla sales dip (13% YTD) may push him to innovate (e.g., cheaper EVs).

   • His X campaign to “fire politicians” in 2026 midterms could sway GOP dynamics, per @TipRanks.

4. Market Impact:

   • Tesla shares may stay volatile (down 2% June 5), per @CorleoneDon77. Green stocks and NBFCs could slide if EV credits end.

   • Deficit fears may pressure bonds (yields at 4.5%) and stocks (S&P 500 flat), per @ETMarkets.

5. Public Narrative:

   • X posts like @Tamavista show growing cynicism, with both leaders’ approval ratings at risk (Musk at 40%, Trump at 45%, per polls).

   • The feud may fuel anti-establishment sentiment, per @bahabreaking.

X post @NivesMint predicts, “Musk’s X clout could kill the bill, but Trump’s base won’t forgive him.” The next few weeks are make-or-break.

Source: CNBC, June 5, 2025; Business Today, June 5, 2025; X posts by @NivesMint, @bahabreaking, June 5, 2025

The Bigger Picture: Power, Policy, and Egos

This feud’s a microcosm of bigger trends:

1. Fiscal Policy:

   • The $2.3-2.5 trillion deficit debate echoes global concerns, with US debt at $34 trillion (120% of GDP). X trends on Sen. Mike Lee’s deficit amendment show public worry.

   • Source: X trend [2], June 5, 2025

2. Tech vs. Politics:

   • Musk’s shift from Trump ally to critic highlights tech moguls’ growing policy clout. His 200 million X followers amplify this, per @AshwinM_.

   • Source: X post by @AshwinM_, June 5, 2025

3. Green Energy:

   • EV credit cuts signal a fossil fuel pivot, clashing with global net-zero goals. India’s 500 GW renewable target by 2030 contrasts, per The Economic Times.

   • Source: The Economic Times, June 1, 2025

4. Public Trust:

   • X posts like @Tamavista reflect distrust in leaders, with 60% disapproving of Musk’s DOGE role and Trump’s approval at 45%, per polls.

   • Source: The Washington Post, May 31, 2025

5. India Angle:

   • US tariffs (10-20%) and deficit spending could hit India’s $450 billion exports, per Business Standard. Indian NBFCs like Bajaj Housing may face global funding squeezes.

   • Source: Business Standard, June 3, 2025

This clash is more than a billionaire brawl—it’s about America’s economic path and global ripple effects.

Source: Business Standard, June 3, 2025

Should You Care as an Investor or Consumer?

For investors and consumers, this feud’s got real impact:

• Investors:

  • Tesla Stock: Down 13% YTD, volatile post-feud (2% dip June 5). Hold if long-term bullish on EVs; sell if deficit fears spike, per @CorleoneDon77.

  • Green Stocks: EV credit cuts may hit Rivian, Lucid. NBFCs like Bajaj Housing (India) could face global rate hikes.

  • Market Play: Watch bond yields (4.5%) and S&P 500 (flat). Deficit fears could trigger a 5-10% correction, per @ETMarkets.

• Consumers:

  • EV Buyers: No $7,500 credit means pricier Teslas ($40,000+). Delay purchases or eye cheaper models, per NBC.

  • Taxes: $4 trillion cuts may boost take-home pay but raise deficits, potentially hiking future taxes.

  • Inflation: 4.2% now, but $2.5 trillion spending could push it to 5%, raising costs for groceries, fuel.

X post @StockTrends9 advises, “Short Tesla if bill passes; buy Indian NBFCs for stability.” Crunch the numbers before acting.

Source: NBC News, June 4, 2025; X posts by @StockTrends9, @CorleoneDon77, June 5, 2025

X Sentiment: Who’s Got the Edge?

X is a battleground for this feud:

• @business_today: Highlights Trump’s “disappointment” and Musk’s “false” retort, neutral tone.

• @TheNewIndian_in: Backs Musk, calling Trump a “liar” and hyping the “body double” jab.

• @TipRanks: Notes Musk’s EV mandate gripe, leaning toward his transparency claim.

• @bahabreaking: Amplifies Musk’s “fiscal death” warning, anti-bill vibe.

• @Tamavista: Slams both as “ego maniacs,” reflecting public frustration.

• @grok: Calls evidence “mixed,” urging skepticism.

Sentiment leans slightly toward Musk, with his transparency claim and X clout (200 million followers) giving him reach. But Trump’s base (45% approval) holds firm, per @Paryan_Sharma. It’s a polarized mess.

Source: X posts by @business_today, @TheNewIndian_in, @TipRanks, @bahabreaking, @Tamavista, @grok, @Paryan_Sharma, June 5, 2025

Wrapping Up: A Billionaire Brawl with Big Stakes

On June 5, 2025, Trump and Musk’s alliance imploded over a $4 trillion tax and spending bill. Trump claimed Musk knew the “Big Beautiful Bill” inside out but flipped when EV credits got cut, saying he’s “very disappointed.” Musk hit back on X, calling it “false” and a “disgusting abomination” passed in secrecy, set to add $2.3-2.5 trillion to deficits. With Tesla’s sales (down 13%), Musk’s DOGE legacy (60% disapproval), and Trump’s MAGA agenda at stake, this feud’s rocking Washington. EV credit cuts, a $5 trillion debt ceiling hike, and rushed passage fuel Musk’s “kill the bill” push, while Trump bets on tax cuts and border funds to rally his base. Evidence leans toward Musk’s transparency claim, but the truth’s murky.

Bro, who’s got the upper hand—Trump’s political muscle or Musk’s X army? Will the bill tank America’s economy or fuel growth? Drop your take—let’s see if this paisa and power clash rewrites history!

Source:

• Business Today, June 5, 2025

• NBC News, June 4, 2025

• CNBC, June 5, 2025

• Investopedia, June 4, 2025

• The Washington Post, May 31, 2025

• The Economic Times, June 1, 2025

• Business Standard, June 3, 2025