Tensions Escalate: Trump Threatens Musk’s Government Contracts
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his unwillingness to engage with Elon Musk, hinting at a potential reconsideration of the tech mogul’s government contracts. This adds fuel to the ongoing public rift between the two influential figures.
Speaking to journalists, Trump remarked, “We will review everything. These are substantial subsidies,” highlighting that any decision would be based on fairness for both parties and the country. The discord between Trump and Musk became public after their fallout over a significant tax legislation proposal backed by Trump’s administration, which Musk opposed.
Musk’s Attempt at Reconciliation
While Musk showed readiness to de-escalate the conflict by the end of the week, Trump maintained his firm stance, responding, “I have no plans,” when questioned about any potential dialogue with Musk.
This friction has rattled the markets, leading to a drop in Tesla’s stock, along with other financial instruments linked to either figure. Musk’s enterprises, including SpaceX and Tesla, are significant recipients of federal contracts and substantial subsidies from the U.S. government. For instance, SpaceX has secured over $22 billion in non-classified contracts with the Department of Defense and NASA since 2000, and its market valuation stands at an impressive $350 billion.
White House Response
A White House representative clarified on Friday that while Trump has made threats on social media to sever ties with Musk’s companies, no official actions have been taken. The spokesperson emphasized that Trump remains focused on his economic agenda rather than embroiling in a dispute with Musk.
