What until a few days ago seemed a strategic society between two of the most influential figures in the world –Elon Musk and Donald Trump– It ended in an abrupt rupture and loaded with tension. In just four days, the CEO of Tesla, Spacex and the social network X went from saying goodbye in the White House with honors and a symbolic gold key, to launch a public offensive against the new Budget Law promoted by the Republican Government, which he described as “traitor to the US people.”
The relationship between Musk and Trump was one of the unst declared pillars of the Republican campaign that returned the New York tycoon to the presidency. But now, with a law that threatens Musk’s commercial interests, the link broke. And the conflict already has political, economic and even technological consequences.
Tesla, the great loser with the new law
The breakdown was the budget project that seeks to eliminate or drastically reduce fiscal credits for the purchase of electric vehicles manufactured in the US, a key benefit for Tesla. Until now, consumers could access a discount of up to US $ 7,500 for each acquired unit, a central incentive to maintain competitiveness in front of the Chinese automotive industry.
Musk, furious, wrote on his social network X: “I’m sorry, but I can’t stand it. This scandalous draft expenses law of Congress is a disgusting abomination.” In addition, he warned: “Congress is taking the United States to bankruptcy. In November of next year we will fire all the politicians who betrayed the people.”
The message fell like a bomb in Washington. According to American media, senior White House officials knew that Musk was uncomfortable with the project, but they did not expect such a virulent reaction, even less after having granted him a position as a “unpaid special advisor” in the government.
Starlink and the battle for the control of heaven
Another voltage focus is Starlink, the SpaceX satellite system that Elon Musk tried to position as an official provider for US air traffic control. According to sources cited by Axios and Politico, the entrepreneur sought that FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) adopt its technology to replace part of the terrestrial infrastructure. But the proposal was rejected by “conflicts of interest” and technological limitations: “air traffic cannot be controlled only with satellites,” said an official source.
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X
The controversy was aggravated when it was known that other agencies, such as the GSA (General Services Administration), also analyzed to incorporate Starlink to provide connectivity in remote areas. Democratic legislators denounced that Musk, as an advisor to the Government and majority shareholder of Spacex, could benefit financially of decisions taken since their own political influence.
In March, 42 Democratic congressmen sent a letter to the Pentagon expressing their concern about the growing power of Musk, and asked to stop any Spacex participation in the new antimile defense system “Golden Dome”, a megaproject announced by Trump as part of their space militarization strategy.
An advisor with too much power
The role of Musk within the Republican government was, from the beginning, controversial. His position as a special advisor to the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) gave him access to sensitive information and decision power in key areas of the state and the reform of the State.
During his stay, he faced central figures such as the Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Besent. According to him New York TimesMusk tried to influence the appointment of the head of the IRS (the Tax Collection Agency, equivalent to the AFIP), which resulted in an internal crisis and the removal of the official he supported.
From the White House they allowed to transcend that Musk had tried to extend his permanence in the government beyond the legal term of 130 days, but his proposal was rejected. The exit was inevitable.
The final blow: NASA
The final thrust came on Saturday night, when Trump announced on social networks that he withdrew the nomination of Jared Isaacman – Musk personal and commercial partner – as the new NASA administrator.
Jared Isaacman.jfif
Isaacman, technology entrepreneur and first civilian to make a space walk with Spacex, was Musk’s ideal candidate to lead the space agency. His removal, without clear explanations, was interpreted as a direct sign that the White House seeks to limit the influence of the technological tycoon on the state’s decisions.
“Soon I will announce a new nominated that will put the United States first in space,” Trump wrote, ending any hint of continuity in the relationship with Musk.
A divorce with consequences
The rupture not only leaves open injuries on the political level. It also generates uncertainty in markets, especially in the technological and defense sector. The actions of Tesla and Spacex still did not reflect sudden changes, but Wall Street analysts already anticipate turbulence if the cuts in tax benefits are confirmed or if the relationship between Musk and the federal government is cool, which until now was one of its main clients.
At the international level, the figure of Musk had gained power thanks to the global scope of Starlink, which was key to keeping regions at war such as Ukraine and the Middle East. But his proximity with Trump, and now his open confrontation, is turned by an unpredictable figure.
On the political board, Musk’s departure leaves the Republican government without one of its most powerful allies in the Tech world, and opens the door to new power rearrangements for the legislative elections of 2026.
Source: Ambito
