Trump-Musk Feud Escalates with Impeachment Calls and Epstein Allegations
The public feud between President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk has erupted into a full-blown crisis, marked by personal attacks, impeachment calls, and threats of deportation. The clash, initially sparked by disagreements over Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” has spiraled into a spectacle of mutual accusations, dragging in figures like Steve Bannon and exposing deep rifts within the Republican ecosystem. This unprecedented fallout, unfolding on social media platforms like X and Truth Social, has significant implications for both men and the broader political landscape.
The once-close alliance between President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk has imploded into a public feud, marked by personal attacks, threats, and explosive allegations. The conflict, which erupted over disagreements on Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a tax and spending package, has spiraled into a high-stakes clash with implications for the Republican Party and U.S. politics. Musk’s call for Trump’s impeachment and claims linking him to Jeffrey Epstein’s files have intensified the drama, while Trump’s allies, led by Steve Bannon, are pushing for investigations into Musk’s immigration status.
The feud began when Musk criticized Trump’s budget bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” for undermining his cost-cutting efforts at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Trump, speaking in the Oval Office on June 5, 2025, accused Musk of “Trump derangement syndrome,” suggesting his opposition stemmed from the bill’s cuts to electric vehicle subsidies, impacting Tesla. Musk fired back on X, claiming Trump’s 2024 election victory relied on his financial support, reportedly over $250 million.
Tensions escalated when Musk endorsed a post on X suggesting Trump should be impeached and replaced by Vice President JD Vance, writing, “Yes.” He further alleged, without evidence, that Trump’s administration withheld Jeffrey Epstein files because they implicate the president. Trump denied the claims, with a source noting he expelled Epstein from his Palm Beach club for bad behavior. The White House dismissed Musk’s accusations as an “unfortunate episode.”
Elon goes for the JUGULAR against Trump
Trump retaliated by threatening to cancel Musk’s government contracts, worth $38 billion, primarily with SpaceX, a critical NASA partner. Musk briefly threatened to decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, vital for International Space Station missions, before retracting the statement. Steve Bannon, a Trump ally, called for Musk’s deportation, alleging he is an “illegal alien” despite his U.S. citizenship since 2002. Bannon also urged investigations into Musk’s alleged drug use and attempts to access classified China briefings.
The feud has divided right-wing circles. Some, like Newsmax commentators, expressed dismay, hoping for reconciliation, while others, including Representative Matt Gaetz, sided with Trump. On X, sentiments varied, with users like @Yay lamenting the clash and JackPacia framing it as “phallocentric” direct communication. House Democrats seized on Musk’s Epstein claims, demanding the files’ release, while Vice President Vance, caught in the middle, affirmed loyalty to Trump but acknowledged Musk’s frustrations.
Critics argue the bill, which cuts taxes for the wealthy while raising them for those earning under $50,000 and slashing healthcare for 14 million, exposes GOP priorities. Musk’s opposition highlights its economic risks, including a predicted recession from Trump’s tariffs. The public spat reveals dysfunction in an administration controlling the White House, Congress, and Supreme Court, yet unable to unify.
Musk later expressed regret for some posts, including the impeachment call, after talks with Vance and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. However, Trump signaled the relationship is likely over, warning of “serious consequences” if Musk funds Democratic campaigns. The fallout jeopardizes Musk’s government contracts and Tesla’s stock, which dropped 8% on June 5, while Trump loses a key financial backer and media amplifier.
The GOP faces a dilemma: align with Trump and risk alienating Musk’s influence, or heed Musk and face Trump’s wrath in primaries. The feud, described as a “political divorce” without a prenup, underscores the fragility of the Republican coalition. As both men trade blows, the administration’s credibility suffers, with the Epstein allegations and deportation calls casting a shadow over their leadership. For now, the spectacle continues, with no clear winner but plenty of collateral damage.
