The Rollercoaster Ride Of Trump And Tesla: A Deep Dive Into Their Public Feud And Shifting Alliances

Gordon Wintheiser 15 Jul 2025

In the unpredictable world where high-profile personalities intersect with business and politics, few relationships have been as volatile and captivating as that between former US President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Their interactions, often played out on social media platforms like Twitter (now X) and Truth Social, have swung wildly from fierce public feuds to surprising endorsements, leaving observers and investors alike in a constant state of suspense. This article delves into the dramatic twists and turns of the Trump-Musk dynamic, exploring the triggers of their disputes, the shifting loyalties, and the tangible impact on Tesla's market standing.

The Spark: When Political Differences Ignited a Feud

The public sparring between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has often been characterized by explosive back-and-forth exchanges, frequently originating from political disagreements. These were not mere private discussions but highly visible altercations that captured global attention.

The Spending Bill and Ungratefulness Accusations

One of the earliest significant public clashes emerged when Elon Musk directly attacked Donald Trump over his signature spending bill. This marked a new level of direct criticism from Musk towards the then-President. The feud escalated further when Musk accused Trump of being "ungrateful," even going so far as to claim that the Republican leader "would've lost the 2024 election if it wasn't for his support." Such a bold statement naturally drew a sharp retort from Trump, who reportedly told ABC News that Musk had "lost his mind." This initial salvo set a combative tone for their future interactions, demonstrating that neither party was shy about publicly airing their grievances.

The Epstein Files Allegation and Market Impact

The feud reached a new peak of intensity with a particularly explosive claim from Elon Musk. In a post on X, the tech billionaire sensationally alleged that "@realDonaldTrump is in the Jeffrey Epstein files." This grave accusation, coming from a figure of Musk's stature, sent shockwaves through social media and financial markets. The immediate fallout for Tesla was severe; the row between the two powerful figures reportedly "wiped $150bn" or even "$152 billion off Tesla's value" in a single day. Shares of Tesla dropped significantly, with one report noting a "14% fall," marking "its worst single-day drop in more than four years." This incident starkly illustrated how personal feuds between influential figures can have profound and immediate financial repercussions for their associated companies.

Trump's Shifting Stance: From Critic to Customer (and Back Again?)

Donald Trump's relationship with Tesla, and by extension, with electric vehicles (EVs) in general, has been a study in contradictions. Initially a fierce critic of EVs, his public pronouncements and actions regarding Tesla have undergone remarkable transformations.

The Unexpected Endorsement

Despite previous criticisms and even a viral video (later debunked by his actions) claiming he announced an immediate ban on Tesla production, Trump made a surprising pivot. In a flurry of late-night posts on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump announced he would purchase "a brand new Tesla" on Tuesday morning. He justified this move by saying he was buying a Tesla "to show loyalty" and to support Elon Musk. He also framed it as a counter-boycott against "radical" Democrats whom he blamed for trying to "attack and do harm to Elon, and everything he stands for." This public display of support was further cemented when, on Tuesday at the White House, Trump was seen climbing into a Tesla to show his support for Musk’s company, even showing off a handwritten note. This period marked a clear attempt by Trump to align himself with Musk and his company, signaling a temporary truce or even an alliance.

Buyer's Remorse and Changing Tides

However, the apparent loyalty proved to be fleeting. Just as quickly as Trump embraced Tesla, reports emerged of his changing sentiments. A White House official confirmed on background that "Trump no longer wants the Tesla Model," stating that "Tesla is no longer hot, the president says." Later, it was reported that Donald Trump was "thinking about selling his Tesla," becoming "the latest Tesla owner with buyer’s remorse as a result of the behavior of CEO Elon Musk." This swift reversal from a vocal advocate to a disgruntled owner underscored the volatile and transactional nature of Trump's public endorsements, leaving many to wonder about the true depth of his support for the brand or its CEO.

Elon Musk's Evolving Political Alignment

Elon Musk's political leanings and his public stance towards Donald Trump have also been subject to considerable flux, reflecting a complex interplay of business interests, personal opinions, and the ever-changing political landscape.

From Critical Tweets to Deletion

Musk's initial interactions with Trump were often characterized by critical tweets, particularly during the former president's term. However, there has been a noticeable "softening his stance towards Donald Trump," which included "deleting critical tweets." This shift prompted calls for a full apology from some political commentators, highlighting the significance of Musk's public platform. The deletion of these past criticisms suggested a deliberate effort by Musk to recalibrate his public image concerning the former president, potentially in anticipation of future political or business considerations.

Throwing Weight Behind Trump for 2024

More recently, Elon Musk has signaled a significant shift in his political alignment, reportedly "throwing his weight behind former President Donald Trump in the highly polarized 2024 presidential election." This endorsement comes despite earlier instances where Musk had distanced himself from the Trump administration, such as expressing "confusion about the ongoing negative sentiment towards the Tesla Cybertruck, especially since he has distanced himself from the Trump administration." Furthermore, Musk has maintained that "Tesla does not need federal tax credits, which can reach $7,500 per car, to sell its vehicles," a stance that aligns with a more conservative, less government-dependent business philosophy, even as he supports a candidate who might influence such policies. This evolution indicates a strategic or perhaps ideological alignment, suggesting that Musk sees more common ground or benefit in supporting Trump's political ambitions.

The Broader Impact: More Than Just Tweets

The public feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk extends far beyond mere social media drama. It has had tangible consequences, particularly for Tesla, and has offered a unique glimpse into the intersection of corporate power, political influence, and public perception.

Financial Repercussions for Tesla

The financial impact on Tesla during the peak of the Trump-Musk spat was undeniably severe. As mentioned, the carmaker "suffered its worst single-day drop in more than four years," with "shares of Tesla dropped on Thursday as Trump responded to Elon Musk's criticism of the budget bill." This resulted in a staggering "$152 billion" being "wiped off Tesla’s Market Cap." Such dramatic losses are not merely abstract figures; they reflect real concerns among investors about the stability and future prospects of the company when its CEO is embroiled in high-profile political disputes. The "Trump-Musk Spat Creates More Problems for Tesla" at a time when the company was "already suffering from steep declines in sales and profit," exacerbating existing challenges. Furthermore, the possibility of the government reviewing or ending "all federal contracts with Musk's companies" was a real threat, adding another layer of financial risk.

Public Perception and Political Theater

Beyond the financial realm, the public spat became a significant piece of political theater. "Twitter, X users reacted with both glee and sadness over Donald Trump's very messy and public breakup with Elon Musk," illustrating the deep partisan divides that even personal feuds can tap into. To some, particularly "Republicans, Conservatives, and all great Americans," Elon Musk was seen as "putting it on the line" to help the nation, doing a "FANTASTIC JOB!" This narrative contrasted sharply with the view that "the Radical Left Lunatics" were trying to undermine him. The entire saga became a microcosm of the polarized political landscape, where business leaders and politicians leverage their platforms to influence public opinion and shape narratives, often with significant consequences for their respective brands and political aspirations.

Conclusion: A Relationship Defined by Volatility

The dynamic between Donald Trump and Elon Musk is a compelling case study in the unpredictable nature of modern public figures. Their relationship has been a constant flux of animosity and alliance, marked by dramatic public feuds, surprising endorsements, and swift reversals. From accusations of ingratitude and involvement in controversial files to public pledges of loyalty and subsequent buyer's remorse, their interactions have consistently generated headlines and significantly impacted Tesla's market valuation. This high-stakes drama, played out on social media, underscores the profound influence that such powerful individuals wield, not just over their respective industries but also over the broader political and economic landscape. As long as both remain prominent figures, their unpredictable exchanges will undoubtedly continue to shape narratives and capture public attention.

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Final Summary: The article explores the tumultuous relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, detailing their public feuds, particularly triggered by Musk's criticism of Trump's spending bill and explosive claims about the Epstein files, which led to significant drops in Tesla's market value. It highlights Trump's contradictory stance on Tesla, shifting from a fierce EV critic to a temporary supporter announcing a purchase, only to later express buyer's remorse. Simultaneously, it examines Musk's evolving political alignment, from critical tweets to deleting them and eventually backing Trump for the 2024 election. The piece concludes by emphasizing the substantial financial repercussions for Tesla and the broader impact of their interactions on public perception and political discourse, characterizing their relationship as one defined by constant volatility.

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