Washington, D.C. – In an unexpected turn in the ongoing war of words between two of America’s most high-profile figures, tech mogul Elon Musk has praised former President Donald Trump for his efforts to resolve global conflicts — even as their bitter feud over electric vehicle (EV) policies continues to escalate. On Wednesday, Musk reposted a Truth Social message from Trump, in which the former president claimed Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. “Credit where credit is due,” Musk wrote, acknowledging Trump’s role in the development — a surprising statement given the harsh exchange that had unfolded just a day earlier.
Tensions Sparked by Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’
At the heart of the feud lies Trump’s latest push to roll back EV tax credits — a move that directly threatens Tesla’s customer base and the broader electric vehicle market. The controversial bill seeks to eliminate the $7,500 federal consumer tax credit, a cornerstone incentive for EV buyers. It also aims to reduce social welfare spending, increase military funding, and beef up immigration enforcement.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has fiercely criticized the bill, arguing it would make EVs unaffordable for average Americans and halt progress on clean energy. In a moment of political defiance, Musk even threatened to launch a new political entity: the “American Party”, should Trump’s bill be passed into law.
Trump Fires Back: “Shut Shop and Go Back Home”
Not one to back down, Trump lashed out at Musk in a fiery Truth Social post, suggesting the billionaire owes his success to generous government support.
“He received more subsidies than any human being in history,” Trump wrote. “Without those, he’d be back in South Africa.”
The former president even took a jab at Tesla’s internal teams, saying Musk’s famed “Doge” cost-cutting department might soon be auditing his own subsidies and contracts instead of corporate expenses.
Elon’s Restraint and Surprise Compliment
In a tweet that hinted at self-restraint, Musk replied, “So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now.”
Yet within 24 hours, the tech titan softened his tone, applauding Trump’s diplomatic success in the Middle East.
Analysts view this as a calculated move from Musk — a signal that while his business interests and political concerns are serious, he still recognizes diplomatic wins, regardless of personal disputes.
A Battle Over the Future of EVs
Musk’s primary concern remains the threat to electric vehicle adoption. Under Biden, federal EV credits were expanded to drive innovation and climate progress. But Trump has made his opposition clear, branding the EV mandate as “ridiculous” and vowing to dismantle it as part of his campaign.
“The American people should decide what car they drive,” Trump said. “We’re not going to force anyone into electric vehicles.”
Musk, who has invested heavily in scaling EV production, views this as a direct attack on the industry and Tesla’s market position.
What’s in Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’?
The sweeping bill, which narrowly passed the Senate this week, promises:
- Major tax cuts, particularly for corporations and high-income individuals
- Reduction of social safety net programs
- Expansion of military and border security funding
- The end of federal EV subsidies
- An estimated $3.3 trillion increase to the national debt over the next decade
While Republicans hail the bill as a return to “fiscal sanity,” critics argue it favors the wealthy and undermines environmental progress.
Political and Business Fallout
The fallout from the Trump-Musk showdown could have lasting impacts. Tesla’s stock dipped slightly following news of the bill’s passage and Musk’s political threats. Meanwhile, conservative voices rallied around Trump, accusing Musk of being out of touch with average Americans.
Some speculate Musk’s flirtation with a new political party is a negotiating tactic — a way to gain leverage over both Republicans and Democrats as Tesla’s future hangs in the balance.
Clash of Titans With Bigger Stakes
The Trump-Musk feud is more than just personal jabs — it’s a reflection of deeper battles over the future of climate policy, government subsidies, and the role of billionaires in shaping national discourse.
While Elon Musk’s unexpected praise for Trump’s diplomacy momentarily cooled tensions, the clash over EV policies and economic priorities is far from over. As Trump eyes another run at the presidency and Musk continues to expand his influence, this high-stakes rivalry could reshape American politics, industry, and the path toward clean energy.
