The alliance between tech titan Elon Musk and President Donald Trump seems all but irreparable now, but there have been reports suggesting that behind the scenes, efforts are underway to revive their marriage of convenience.
The policy that became the flashpoint between the two was the now-infamous “one big beautiful bill.” The bill is bloated at over 1,000 pages, with even Republicans who voted yes admitting—perhaps to their own detriment — that they were unable to fully go through the entire document. The bill promises to cut taxes by kicking Americans off Medicaid, but it was the idea of a potential increase in the budget deficit that truly sent Elon Musk off the ledge.
The bill may have adverse effects on everyday people, but for the richest man in the world, that can’t be the root of his problem with it. As of now, it seems his issue could be that many of his businesses have adjustable interest rates, which would certainly balloon if the budget deficit grows. So this is far from just another case of two rich, famous guys arguing. Elon Musk has a lot at stake too.
The Financial Times reports that this disagreement between the two has the potential to “wreck” the warm relationship Silicon Valley has enjoyed with Washington thus far. So, as one might expect, allies from both camps have been stepping in to limit the damage.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz was the first to go on record, telling the publication, “A lot of conservatives are feeling like this is not good. Let’s hug and make up.”
A hedge fund manager with deep ties in Silicon Valley has also been urging Trump and Elon to “make peace.” Reportedly, Musk has responded positively to that plea and has even deleted his disputed allegations about Trump being named in the Epstein files.
Trump, meanwhile, has been dismissive, backhandedly wishing Elon Musk “gets better,” while suggesting that the two might not be speaking for a while. But ever the petty merchant, Trump has apparently planned to sell the Tesla he bought from Musk in March — originally to show support to the former “first buddy.”
The reactions in Silicon Valley are reportedly a mix of panic and pandemonium. Apparently, Elon Musk is not taking calls from anyone in the Valley. Another source shared that with Musk’s large campaign contribution — reportedly close to $300 million — they expected a business boom that didn’t quite happen, and are now instead dealing with a financial crunch. It seems many Silicon Valley titans invested in the Trump campaign through Musk, and now they’re reportedly asking for “the markets to open.” Likely a reference to Trump needing to sort out his tariff issue, quickly.
Reportedly, the bill has also caused cracks within Silicon Valley itself, with some tech executives now publicly supporting social programs like Medicaid. A former Tesla president even went on record saying he doesn’t want a tax break that badly.
President Trump has already started a purge of Musk allies from his administration, with names like Jared Isaacman and David Sacks reportedly being considered for removal from their various roles. Despite the behind-the-scenes efforts — and all the people who will be affected by this messy public breakup — Trump is reportedly already looking ahead.
OpenAI’s Sam Altman is now being eyed as Trump’s new tech point man.
