Why Trump Seems to Have Won Billionaire Showdown Against Elon Musk

A recent political fallout has turned the once-friendly relationship between former US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk into a tense rivalry. The catalyst? A controversial bill, dubbed the "Big Beautiful Bill," which drove a wedge between the two powerful figures. Their fallout unfolded publicly on social media, drawing significant attention.

Previously, their alliance benefited both parties: Trump gained the financial backing of the world’s richest man, while Musk received privileged access to the White House and a leadership role in the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, tensions rose sharply after Musk’s involvement in the bill and his subsequent departure from DOGE.

Though Musk has tried to cool the conflict by deleting some of his harsher social media posts, Trump shows no signs of reconciliation. The former president has warned Musk of “very serious consequences” if he supports Democrats in the 2026 mid-term elections and has expressed no desire to mend their relationship.

Trump’s stance currently gives him the upper hand. Musk’s companies, which were promised $3 billion in government contracts across 17 federal agencies in 2023, may face financial setbacks if Trump acts on his threats. Additionally, Musk could be subject to increased regulatory scrutiny; several agencies were already investigating his firms prior to Trump’s exit from office.

Meanwhile, Musk’s rivals appear ready to capitalize on the situation. Notably, Bill Gates recently met with White House officials to discuss reversing some of Musk’s cuts to foreign aid programs.

The break in their alliance comes shortly after Musk’s official exit from DOGE. While Musk claimed his department saved the government $180 billion—far below his original goal of $2 trillion—the cuts to government programs and staff were controversial. Departments like USAID, the Department of Education, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau were deeply affected.

Musk’s rapid overhaul of government agencies stirred backlash, with critics questioning the power wielded by an unelected billionaire. His ties to far-right groups also raised alarms after he performed gestures perceived by some as Nazi salutes. As Trump’s appointed officials took control, resistance to Musk’s reforms grew, culminating in a reduction of DOGE’s influence in March.Tesla’s brand took a hit amid the political drama, with global sales declining and stock prices dropping. For Musk, the fallout has been a costly political lesson, showing that even immense wealth and influence have limits within the political arena.

While Trump appears to have gained the advantage, the battle between these two titans is far from over. The outcome will likely shape not just their futures but also the intersection of politics, business, and technology in the years to come.