06/12 2025
471
The tumultuous saga between Musk and Trump underscores the chaotic nature of the world stage.
Just six months into their honeymoon phase, Musk and Trump inevitably reached a crossroads.
A fortnight ago, their partnership inevitably came to an end.
This was undoubtedly a shocking turn of events. Just half a year prior, these titans of business and politics were inseparable, akin to twins, jointly swaying the US presidential race with their colossal financial resources, political acumen, and grandiose promises.
However, the narrative did not unfold as anticipated. Following a brief period of harmony, the two soon found themselves engaged in a bitter spat, ultimately parting ways.
According to a June 6 report by Jinrongjie, Musk publicly lambasted US President Trump on social media, alleging that Trump's name appeared in the notorious Epstein files, implying this as the real reason behind the US government's refusal to release them.
In response to Musk's assault, Trump promptly labeled Musk as "crazy."
While the two had previously engaged in debates, they mostly revolved around differing perceptions and understandings. This time, however, it escalated into a privacy attack, a love-hate transformation beyond the comprehension of ordinary folks.
Moreover, the mutual attacks had a direct impact on Tesla. After Trump threatened to terminate government contracts awarded to Musk's companies, Tesla's stock price plummeted by 14.26% on the subsequent trading day, eroding over $150 billion in market value, marking the largest single-day decline in its history.
Tesla's trillion-dollar market value shrunk back to $900 billion, and a passionate chapter came to a close.
A fleeting honeymoon of just six months
Since the election, Musk, as Trump's close ally, had been riding high. With Trump's successful re-election to the White House, this "American Maverick" also enjoyed an unprecedented spotlight.
To the extent that at Trump's inauguration, Musk boldly stated his commitment to helping Trump achieve the goal of "Making America Great Again."
During this honeymoon period, the two were filled with mutual care and genuine affection. So much so that when Tesla's stock price declined three months ago, Trump even expressed dismay and questioned, "Why should Musk be punished for helping the country?"
If it were love, it would undoubtedly be akin to, "If we can be a pair of mandarin fish, we won't envy the immortals."
However, the relationship between Musk and Trump was not built on true love; it was a union of business and politics.
Subsequently, a tax reform bill vigorously promoted by Trump became the catalyst that led to their estrangement.
This bill involved slashing taxes, Medicaid, food assistance, education, and clean energy spending, and using the savings to fund military and border security. Simultaneously, it raised the debt ceiling, allowing the federal government to continue borrowing to finance its debt.
This bill sparked concerns and political controversies on both sides. Musk also believed that this bill was devastating as it would significantly increase the federal government's deficit. According to estimates by the US Congressional Budget Office, the new tax law would increase the federal budget deficit by nearly $1.5 trillion over the next decade.
Despite Musk spending $300 million to support Trump's election campaign the previous year, Trump disregarded Musk's concerns. He even believed that Musk could criticize him personally but not his tax reform bill.
Thereafter, the rift between the two gradually widened.
On the evening of June 5 local time, Musk voiced his dissatisfaction, asserting that without him, "Trump couldn't have won the election, the House of Representatives would have been controlled by the Democrats, and the Republicans would have only had a 51-49 majority in the Senate." He concluded by stating that Trump was ungrateful and should be impeached promptly, with Vice President JD Vance taking over.
That was not all. Later, Musk accused the Trump administration of refusing to release records about the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein because "the president himself is in the Epstein files."
Musk's series of remarks enraged Trump, who subsequently tweeted that Musk was "annoying."
At this juncture, the fleeting honeymoon between the two officially ended, lasting just six months.
Tesla bore the brunt
After Trump and Musk parted ways, subtle changes also rippled through the capital market.
Tesla, Musk's electric vehicle company, reacted most strongly. Following their heated exchange, Tesla's stock price immediately fell by 14%, eroding over $150 billion in market value overnight. According to the latest data, Tesla's total market value has recently suffered a significant decline, falling from the trillion-dollar benchmark to $916 billion.
This was not the end. With Musk's continued criticisms afterward, Tesla's stock price continued to decline. As of this week, according to the latest data, Tesla's stock price has fallen by 30% since its high of $488.54 on December 18, 2024, indicating market concerns about the company's future growth prospects.
This was not the only loss for Musk.
In fact, even before Musk and Trump fell out, his "Government Efficiency Department" had sparked dissatisfaction among many opponents due to multiple cutbacks.
Public information reveals that during Musk's tenure as the head of the Government Efficiency Department, he vigorously rectified some departments, prompting demonstrations and protests by numerous demonstrators and "anti-Muskers" across the nation, during which multiple Tesla stores and charging stations were vandalized.
The related chain reaction was also evident in Tesla's sales.
Due to various factors, Tesla's electric vehicles are not performing well in many countries worldwide. According to data from the China Passenger Car Association, Tesla's electric vehicle sales in China in May 2025 were 61,662 units. Although this sales figure was achieved, it represented a year-on-year decrease of 15% compared to May 2024, marking the eighth consecutive month of year-on-year decline.
In Europe, the sales decline of Tesla electric vehicles persists. Data shows that Tesla's new car sales in the UK plummeted by over 45% year-on-year; new car registrations in Germany fell by 36.2% year-on-year; sales in France decreased by 67% year-on-year; and new car registrations in Italy fell by 20.32% year-on-year. Meanwhile, BYD's performance in the European market was relatively robust, with sales reaching 1,566 units in Germany in April, an increase of 53.5% year-on-year, while Tesla's sales fell by 45.9% year-on-year.
Considering the global sales decline trend, it is not difficult to comprehend why Musk reacted so vehemently to Trump's bill cutting electric vehicle subsidies.
However, despite Musk generously contributing nearly $300 million to help Trump secure the presidential throne, this magnanimous gesture as the "top donor" did not seem to sway Trump's heart.
The fluctuating politics and business are nothing more than a chaotic stage
Half a year ago, Musk and Trump, who were inseparable, vividly portrayed a drama of genuine camaraderie; but half a year later, the two not only parted ways but also exchanged harsh words without regard for their public image. However, what no one anticipated was recent news that Musk had apologized to Trump.
The absurdity of money and politics aligning is the best illustration.
One wields power to do as they please, while the other manages everything through wealth. The world of Trump and Musk is nothing more than a theatrical performance on a chaotic stage in the eyes of ordinary people.
Two individuals with differing aspirations and paths ultimately reached opposing shores. The exploitation and betrayal between them revealed the fragile nature of power and money transactions. However, the subsequent apology from one side only intensified this sense of absurdity. These melodramas resemble a real-life version of "Game of Thrones," leaving people with mixed feelings and sighs.
For them, the world has long lost its normal logic and principles, leaving only a continuous cycle of absurdity.
Shortly after bidding farewell to Trump, Musk launched a poll on social media: "Is it time to create a new political party in the US that represents 80% of middle voters?" However, before the heat of this survey had faded, Musk swiftly reversed course and became a Trump supporter. This rapid shift in position inevitably raised questions about Tesla's commitment to its future technological path.
The world is a vast chaotic stage, and the performance of Musk and Trump's tumultuous relationship is just one of its scenes. In the next three years and beyond, their prelude will never cease, and they will continue to unfold new chapters.