In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has publicly claimed that without his support, President Donald Trump would have lost the 2024 U.S. presidential election to Kamala Harris.
Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025
This bold statement, posted on X on June 5, 2025, marks a significant rift in what was once a close alliance between the two influential figures. Elon Musk’s assertion has sparked a public feud, with Trump expressing disappointment and defending his policy bill.
This article explores Musk’s initial support for Trump, his actions during the 2024 campaign, the reasons behind his recent claims, Trump’s response, and what lies ahead for their relationship.
Elon Musk’s Shift to Supporting Trump: Elon Vs Trump
Elon Musk’s political journey has been one marked by a gradual shift to the right. Initially a supporter of Democratic candidates like Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden, Musk began aligning with conservative causes by 2022, driven by frustrations over COVID-19 restrictions and perceived threats to free speech.
His explicit endorsement of Trump came in July 2024, following an assassination attempt on the former president, when Musk publicly backed Trump on X, calling him a champion of free speech.
I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery pic.twitter.com/ZdxkF63EqF
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 13, 2024
This marked a departure from his earlier criticisms of Donald Trump, including a 2016 statement that Trump was “not the right guy” for the presidency. By 2024, Musk’s support had solidified into a “rapid and intense bromance,” as described by The Independent.
Musk’s Contributions to Trump’s 2024 Campaign
Musk’s support for Trump was not merely rhetorical; it was financial and operational. He emerged as the largest individual donor in the 2024 election cycle, contributing over $277 million to Trump and Republican candidates, primarily through his Pro-Trump America PAC, which received $239 million from Musk alone.
This super PAC funded critical get-out-the-vote efforts, including door-knocking, texting, and advertisements, helping secure narrow Republican majorities in Congress (53-47 in the Senate and 220-215 in the House). Elon Musk also appeared at Trump rallies, such as one in Pennsylvania on October 20, 2024, the famous jumping on stage moment, where the “Dark MAGA” emphasised the election’s importance for democracy.
Pro-Republican Elon Musk Donations
Additionally, Elon Musk donated to other Republican causes, including $10 million to the Senate Leadership Fund and $3 million to the MAHA Alliance PAC, aligned with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s initiatives.
Why Elon Musk Is Making These Claims
The current Elon vs Trump feud stems from Musk’s opposition to Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a massive tax-and-spending package projected to add $2.4 trillion to the national debt over a decade.
I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore.
This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination.
Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 3, 2025
Musk, who recently stepped down from his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), called the bill a “disgusting abomination” and criticised its “mountain of disgusting pork.” He argues that it undermines his efforts to reduce government spending by $2 trillion. President Donald Trump, however, claims Musk’s frustration is primarily due to the bill’s phase-out of the $7,500 electric vehicle (EV) tax credit, which could impact Tesla.
Musk refutes this, stating he supports eliminating EV credits but objects to the bill’s excessive spending and lack of transparency, claiming it was “passed in the dead of night” without his review.
President Donald Trump’s Response to Musk
Trump has expressed disappointment, stating on June 5, 2025, in the Oval Office that he was “very disappointed in Elon” despite their previously strong relationship. He insisted Elon Musk knew the bill’s details intimately and only opposed it after the EV credit cuts were confirmed. Trump also noted, “I’d rather have him criticise me than the bill,” defending the legislation as “the biggest cut in the history of our country.”
What’s Next for Musk and Trump?
The public fallout suggests a fractured alliance, with Musk’s exit from DOGE and his focus returning to Tesla and SpaceX signalling a shift away from politics. His recent comments, including a poll on X about creating a new political party for the “80% in the middle,” hint at a potential new direction. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is pushing to pass the bill by July 4, 2025, despite resistance in the Senate. The trajectory of their relationship, currently at Elon vs. Trump, remains uncertain. However, a Forbes article published on the 5th June, 2025 reports Elon Musk Becomes $27 Billion Poorer As Trump Quarrel Eats Into Net Worth.
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