Friends to foes? How Trump-Musk ties soured; 10 things they said about each other in 24 hours

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In just 24 hours, the relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk collapsed in full public view, evolving from minor policy criticism into a no-holds-barred online battle. What began as Musk criticising Trump’s major economic bill quickly escalated, with Trump threatening to revoke government subsidies and Musk accusing Trump of deception and failed leadership.

The clash has shaken Republican circles and raised questions about the billionaire's influence on US politics and future party dynamics.

Here’s a breakdown of what happened between June 3 and June 5:

June 3 (timeline in Eastern Time)

Elon Musk slams Trump’s key legislation

“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 on X

June 5 (timeline in Eastern Time)

12:00 PM | Trump expresses disappointment in Musk

“Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore… He said the most beautiful things about me, and he hasn't said bad about me personally, but I'm sure that'll be next. But I'm, I'm very disappointed in Elon. I've helped Elon a lot.”

Donald Trump speaking from the Oval Office

12:10 PM | Musk posts cryptic jab

“Slim Beautiful Bill for the win,” Musk posted on X, mocking Trump’s label for the legislation.

Elon Musk

12:25 PM | Musk counters Trump’s claims

“False. This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!”

Musk responding to Trump’s Oval Office clip

1:57 PM | Musk teases third-party politics

“Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?”

Musk launches a poll on X asked

2:37 PM | Trump escalates on Truth Social

“Elon was 'wearing thin,' I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate… and he just went CRAZY! The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts…”

Donald Trump

4:06 PM | Trump defends bill, jabs again at Musk

“I don’t mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago. This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress.”

Donald Trump

4:09 PM | Musk responds with sarcasm and threat

“In light of the President’s statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately.”

Elon Musk