Elon Musk and Donald Trump were once BFFs, but now DOGE’s turning on him. Welcome to the political soap opera of 2025.
Here's the TL;DR...
Elon Musk, Trump’s former ally and DOGE co-leader, is feuding with the president over a spending bill, with DOGE potentially undermining his influence.
Musk’s businesses, like Tesla and SpaceX, rely on federal subsidies, which Trump threatens to cut, escalating the conflict.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), meant to streamline government, is now a battleground in this bizarre bromance gone wrong.
From BFFs to Foes
Elon Musk and Donald Trump were once thick as thieves. Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), poured hundreds of millions into Trump’s re-election campaign, earning a spot leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Vivek Ramaswamy. DOGE, a Trump initiative to cut government waste, sounded like a dream team—until it wasn’t.
Now, CNN reports DOGE might “eat” Musk, suggesting the very entity he helped create could turn against him. The feud escalated when Musk criticized Trump’s spending bill, which would slash electric vehicle subsidies benefiting Tesla. Trump, never one to back down, threatened to cut billions in federal contracts for Musk’s companies, including SpaceX’s $22 billion in deals. It’s like watching a reality TV showdown, but with higher stakes.
The DOGE Dilemma
DOGE, shorthand for the Department of Government Efficiency, was supposed to be Musk’s playground. WIRED details how it’s been shaking up federal agencies, with Musk and Ramaswamy at the helm. But Musk’s recent exit from DOGE, prompted by the spending bill drama, has left a power vacuum. Trump’s not thrilled, and the president’s threats to Musk’s businesses suggest DOGE might operate independently, potentially sidelining its co-founder.
"No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon."
TIME reports Musk vowed to form a new “America Party” if the bill passed, a move that backfired when the Senate approved it anyway. Trump’s retort, as reported by CNN and Reuters, was direct: "No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon." It’s a political game of chicken, and Musk’s empire is on the line.
Business vs. Politics
Musk’s businesses are caught in the crossfire. Reuters highlights Tesla’s reliance on EV subsidies and SpaceX’s $22 billion in federal contracts, making Trump’s threats a serious concern. If DOGE’s efficiency push targets those subsidies, Musk’s wallet—and his companies’ futures—could take a hit. It’s like watching a game of Jenga, where pulling the wrong block could topple everything.
X posts from @elonmusk and @realDonaldTrump show the tension, with Musk’s “Go ahead, make my day” met by Trump’s barbs. Reddit’s r/politics calls it “a circus,” with users debating whether Musk’s overreach or Trump’s revenge is the bigger story. Either way, it’s a reminder that in politics, even friends can become foes.
News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop culture, and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.
Sources:
CNN: “Elon Musk, Donald Trump fight escalates as DOGE threatens to ‘eat’ him”
Reuters: “Trump escalates feud with Musk, threatens Tesla, SpaceX support”
TIME: “Musk Renews Promise to Start Rival Political Party Amid Feud”
WIRED: “DOGE Is Busier Than Ever—and Trump Says Elon Musk Is ‘Really Not Leaving’”
X posts from @elonmusk and @realDonaldTrump
Reddit threads on r/politics
If you watch Viva Frei on Rumble or YouTube you can see his measured take on this. I tend to trust his takes as he’s been right before and he has integrity.