As two of America’s most influential figures engage in a bitter public feud, billionaire investor Bill Ackman and rapper Ye step in to broker peace between Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
At a Glance
- Trump and Musk’s relationship deteriorated after Musk criticized Trump’s tax bill as a “disgusting abomination”
- The feud escalated with Musk calling for Trump’s impeachment and Trump threatening to review Musk’s government contracts
- Bill Ackman and Kanye West have publicly called for reconciliation between the two powerful figures
- Tesla shares dropped 14.26% in a single day amid the public dispute, impacting Musk’s net worth
- Trump reportedly has no immediate plans to speak with Musk, focusing instead on his political agenda
The Breaking Point
The once-strong alliance between former President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has publicly unraveled over fiscal policy disagreements. The conflict ignited when Musk harshly criticized Trump’s spending package, calling it a “disgusting abomination” on social media. This criticism came as a surprise to many conservatives who had witnessed Musk’s previous strong support for Trump, including his endorsement during the recent election campaign. Trump responded to Musk’s criticism with equal force, suggesting Musk was suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and expressing disappointment in Musk’s opposition to cuts in electric vehicle mandates.
The escalation continued with Musk making claims that his support was crucial for Trump’s electoral victory, stating, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House, and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Such ingratitude.” The dispute further intensified when Musk called for Trump’s impeachment and made insinuations about potential connections between Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, crossing a line that seemed to permanently fracture their relationship. In response, Trump reportedly considered reviewing government contracts with Musk’s companies, including SpaceX.
Calls for Peace
Amid this heated exchange, prominent hedge fund manager Bill Ackman stepped forward with a public appeal for reconciliation. “I support @realDonaldTrump and @elonmusk and they should make peace for the benefit of our great country. We are much stronger together than apart,” Ackman posted on social media. His intervention represents a growing concern among business leaders and conservatives about the potential fallout from a prolonged conflict between two of America’s most powerful and influential figures. Ackman’s call highlights the strategic importance of unity for advancing conservative priorities.
“I support @realDonaldTrump and @elonmusk and they should make peace for the benefit of our great country. We are much stronger together than apart.”, said Bill Ackman.
Adding his voice to the peace effort, rapper Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) made an emotional appeal: “Broooos please noooooo. We love you both so much.” This unexpected intervention from Ye demonstrates the widespread concern about this conflict across different segments of Trump’s support base. Musk’s brief response to Ackman’s plea was simply “You’re not wrong,” potentially signaling an openness to reconciliation from his side, though concrete steps toward peace remain elusive.
Economic and Political Impact
The financial markets have reacted strongly to this public dispute. Tesla shares plummeted 14.26% in a single day following the escalation of the conflict, contributing to an overall decline of 18.8% year-to-date. This significant drop has directly impacted Musk’s personal net worth and raised questions among investors about potential government contract implications for his companies. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that Trump’s spending package could substantially increase the federal debt, lending some credence to Musk’s fiscal concerns, though his method of criticism has alienated many conservatives.
The political ramifications extend beyond personal animosity. Trump reportedly does not plan to speak with Musk in the immediate future, choosing instead to focus on his political agenda. This stance suggests that reconciliation may not be forthcoming without significant changes in position from one or both parties. Some economic experts, including Peter Schiff, have supported Musk’s critiques of government spending, highlighting the underlying policy debate that initiated this conflict. For conservative voters concerned about fiscal responsibility and government overreach, this dispute represents more than a personal feud—it reflects genuine divisions on policy priorities.
