A public fallout between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has triggered anxiety among Republican lawmakers and advisers, revealing deep divisions within the coalition surrounding the former president.
The dispute, which escalated into personal attacks on their own social media platforms Thursday night, came just days after Trump hosted a formal send-off for Musk at the White House, praising the billionaire entrepreneur.
The conflict stems from a long-simmering power struggle. According to The Washington Post, tensions had been rising since April when Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent engaged in a physical confrontation at the White House over a federal appointment. Trump reportedly began distancing himself from Musk soon after.
Trump, known for quickly turning on former allies, has so far remained cautious. He privately urged Vice President JD Vance and others not to inflame the situation further. Still, he has acknowledged that Musk is a different kind of rival, one with independent influence, a vast fortune, and control over a major social media platform.
Musk’s split from Trump highlights friction between competing wings of the conservative movement. On one side are the MAGA-aligned populists who dominate the Republican Party. On the other are the tech-aligned billionaires, among them Peter Thiel, and until recently, Musk himself.
Musk joined Trump’s inner circle last summer, quickly becoming a central figure. His unofficial agency, DOGE, aggressively pursued government spending cuts. He clashed with cabinet members and operated with more autonomy than others in the administration.
“Trump tolerated Musk for a long time,” said Pekka Kolehmainen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Turku. “But there was growing frustration that Musk would not follow Trump’s lead.”
By spring, the situation had deteriorated. Musk publicly criticised Trump’s trade policy and called Trump’s advisor Peter Navarro an “idiot”. Behind the scenes, officials confirmed Musk’s influence was becoming a liability.
After the fight with Bessent, Musk announced he would step back from politics and return focus to his businesses. The White House attempted to present the exit as cordial, but insiders described a breakdown in trust.
The feud became public this week, exposing cracks in the foundation of Trump’s coalition. Republicans in Congress now face pressure from both figures. Musk has threatened to back primary challengers against Trump-aligned legislators, a tactic that previously ensured party discipline. But Trump still holds dominance over the party apparatus.
Some Republicans compared the standoff to a bitter divorce, leaving lawmakers caught between two powerful forces. Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly warned colleagues of the risks of defying Trump. Yet Musk has hinted at creating a new political movement, further complicating matters.
Musk’s departure may not collapse Trump’s support, but it weakens a key alliance. His departure also reflects growing unease among wealthy conservatives over Trump’s spending plans, including the “Big Beautiful Bill” — a major budget package already passed by the House but facing internal Republican resistance.
While Musk's ability to reshape the Republican Party remains unclear, the split has deepened internal uncertainty. For now, most Republican lawmakers remain publicly aligned with Trump, wary of the electoral consequences of breaking ranks.
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