Trump-Musk Public Feud Shakes US Politics, Tesla Market Drops

A public feud erupted between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, once close allies, over a recent Congressional tax bill that Musk criticized as fiscally irresponsible. Trump, expressing disappointment, threatened to cut government contracts with Musk's companies and accused Musk of turning against him after benefiting from his support. Musk countered by disputing Trump's claims about the bill and launched a social media poll questioning the need for a new political party representing the majority middle. The conflict escalated with Musk alleging Trump covered up ties to Jeffrey Epstein and Trump hinting at retaliatory measures against Musk's businesses. The dispute has caused concern among Republicans, some of whom appreciate Musk's fiscal critiques yet are wary of the public spectacle overshadowing legislative efforts. Democrats have reacted with amusement as the feud publicly highlights divisions within the GOP and the volatile relationship between the billionaire CEO and the president.