Musk’s Criticism Triggers Speaker Johnson’s Response
The public spat between Trump Elon allies and rivals deepened this week when tech billionaire Elon Musk took to X to criticize President Donald Trump’s domestic policy package. Musk posted, “where is the Mike Johnson of 2023!?,” referencing an earlier tweet in which Speaker Mike Johnson railed against the climbing national debt.
Musk’s jab immediately drew a swift rebuttal from Johnson on X: “The Mike Johnson of 2023 is the SAME Mike Johnson who has always been a lifelong fiscal hawk. Now serving as Speaker and implementing a multi-stage plan to get our country back to fiscal responsibility and extraordinary economic growth.”
Johnson outlined that his “One Big Beautiful Bill” includes “the LARGEST mandatory spending cut to the federal government in history (by almost 400%). The LARGEST tax cut in history, the LARGEST investment in border security in a GENERATION, along with arguably the STRONGEST collection of pro-growth provisions EVER passed.” He finished by noting, “The same CONSISTENT Mike Johnson who has ALWAYS supported the America First Agenda.”
Musk Claims Trump Appears in Epstein Files
In a separate X post that shocked followers, Musk asserted that “President Donald Trump is in the Epstein files,” suggesting this is “the real reason” those records remain unreleased. He wrote, “Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!” Musk added, “Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out.”
Musk’s claim offered no evidence or explanation of how he accessed undisclosed files. CNN reached out to the White House for comment. Context on Epstein files: various right-wing media figures have long speculated that the government is hiding secrets about Jeffrey Epstein’s network of high-profile clients. However, reporter Julie K. Brown of the Miami Herald has said there is “no evidence Epstein kept a ledger or a list of clients involved with his sex trafficking operation.” Still, possession of someone’s name in FBI files does not prove wrongdoing.
Trump, who was friends with Epstein decades ago, had mentioned during the 2024 presidential campaign that he might release more files on the disgraced financier.
Earlier this month, Attorney General Pam Bondi—following Trump’s direction—released an initial tranche of government files about Epstein, but most duplicated information already public.
Also Read: Court of International Trade Rules Trump Exceeded Authority with IEEPA Tariffs
Tesla Stock Plummets Amid Musk-Trump Clash
As the Trump and Musk feud intensified, Tesla stock tumbled 15 percent in one afternoon. Erasing over $150 billion in market value. Tesla (TSLA) opened the day at nearly a $1.1 trillion valuation before the selloff. Musk—now the world’s richest person—saw a significant chunk of his net worth vanish in hours.
The rout was fueled by a Truth Social post from Trump threatening to target Musk’s business empire. “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” Trump wrote. His declaration triggered panic among investors already skittish about TSLA stock price volatility.
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DHS Shuts Down ‘Quiet Skies’ Program Amid Political Backlash
In another development, the Department of Homeland Security announced the discontinuation of its “Quiet Skies” program after GOP lawmakers claimed it was used against political opponents. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the program—meant to flag travelers for extra screening—had been “weaponized against its political foes and exploited to benefit their well-heeled friends.”
The controversy arose when Tulsi Gabbard, before her appointment to lead US intelligence, was placed on the Quiet Skies list. Officials clarified that inclusion does not imply suspicion of wrongdoing. Noem called for a congressional investigation “to unearth further corruption at the expense of the American people.” DHS noted that other screening lists will continue to function to address legitimate security threats.
Also Read: Trump Weighs Suspension of Habeas Corpus Amid Immigration Battle
Trump Floats Ending Musk’s Subsidies and Contracts
President Trump doubled down on his attack against Musk by suggesting he would terminate all government subsidies and contracts related to Tesla and other Musk ventures. “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. Always surprised that Biden didn’t do it,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Musk responded to a separate tweet about possibly ending funding for the International Space Station with, “This just gets better and better… Go ahead, make my day …”
Earlier, Trump had claimed he asked Musk to leave the White House. Accusing him of going “CRAZY” after Trump revoked an alleged EV mandate. (No federal mandate ever prohibited Americans from buying gasoline-powered cars.)
Trump’s “very disappointed” with Musk. And questioned whether their “great relationship” could survive. As he continues to criticize the massive tax and spending cuts package.
GOP Senators Want No Part of Trump-Musk Fallout
As the tension between Trump and Musk reached a fever pitch, Republican senators publicly decided to stay out of the feud:
- Sen. John Kennedy (Louisiana): “I never get between a dog and a fire hydrant.”
- Sen. Markwayne Mullin (Oklahoma): “I’m focused on getting a bill, and I don’t want to be distracted.”
- Sen. Todd Young (Indiana): “It’s informative and entertaining, but I don’t talk about this kind of inside baseball.”
- Sen. Ron Johnson (Wisconsin): “I’m not getting involved in that whatsoever.”
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune: Declined to comment, saying “I don’t have an observation on that.”
Musk Considers Launching a New Political Party
Not long after his public fallout with Trump, Elon Musk asked his more than 220 million followers on X if it was time to start a new political party in America. “Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?” he tweeted. Musk has used online polls before major decisions. Such as stepping aside as Twitter CEO or reinstating banned accounts.
As the Trump Musk feud plays out publicly, both sides leverage social media to rally supporters. Trump’s posts on Truth Social. And Musk’s activity on X. Both ensuring that each twist in their conflict will be amplified to millions. Whether this feud significantly impacts the future of Tesla stock or Trump’s political ambitions remains unclear, but one thing is certain. When Trump and Musk clash, headlines and investors take notice.
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