Donald Trump and Elon Musk have openly turned on one another after weeks of growing tension. The US President now admits disappointment in Musk’s escalating attacks on his signature tax-and-spending plan.

According to the BBC, what began as a private political rift has spilled fully into public view, ending what had once been a rare alliance between two of the most powerful figures in business and politics.

Earlier, the billionaire tech executive turned his ire on the very administration he recently served. Musk’s sharp denunciation of Trump’s tax-and-spending bill, and his fury over a scrapped NASA nomination, have caught the White House off guard.

Tensions Rise After Nomination Withdrawal

Elon Musk, who ended a four-month stint as a special government employee in the White House, has broken ranks with President Trump just days after leaving his post.

His anger reportedly stems from Trump’s abrupt decision to withdraw the nomination of Jared Isaacman, Musk’s close ally and a SpaceX astronaut, to head NASA, the New York Times reported.

Read more: Elon Musk Torches Trump’s Megabill as a “Disgusting Abomination”

According to sources familiar with the matter, the move blindsided Musk and fueled his frustration with the administration. Musk allegedly told associates that he had donated hundreds of millions of dollars to Trump’s campaign, only to see a key supporter sidelined without warning.

Musk Unleashes on Tax Bill

The NASA decision appears to have intensified Musk’s long-standing opposition to parts of the GOP’s tax-and-spending package. The bill includes a provision that eliminates electric vehicle tax credits, which is a key incentive for Tesla customers. With Tesla’s core business under threat, Musk did not hold back.

On X, formerly Twitter, Musk called the bill a “disgusting abomination” and urged his followers, over 200 million of them, to call lawmakers and “KILL the BILL.” He also accused Republicans of reckless deficit spending and threatened to campaign against them.

White House aides admitted the remarks caught them by surprise. One senior official reportedly described Trump as “confused” about Musk’s sudden turn, especially after their recent close cooperation. Despite the mounting criticism, Trump has largely refrained from directly confronting Musk.

EV Credits, SpaceX, and a Growing Rift

Musk’s discontent with the bill dates back months, as he privately voiced concerns over the removal of EV incentives. With Tesla depending heavily on such credits, and SpaceX tied to NASA through multiple contracts, both business and politics could be at play.

Some in the administration believe Musk’s attacks are more about protecting his companies than serving public interest.

Source: Finance Magnates