Trump-Musk Public Feud Escalates With Social Media Attacks

A public feud erupted between President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk following Trump's support for the controversial "Big Beautiful Bill," which Musk criticized for increasing the U.S. deficit. The spat escalated rapidly on social media, with Trump threatening to terminate Musk's government contracts and Musk retaliating by suggesting Trump might be implicated in the Jeffrey Epstein files. This bitter exchange drew widespread attention, including awkward moments at Trump's meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where Trump made controversial remarks about German militarization. Late-night TV hosts eagerly capitalized on the drama, delivering numerous jokes and commentary that highlighted the feud's intensity and the personal nature of the accusations, particularly Musk's Epstein-related claim. The breakdown of their previously cooperative relationship marks a significant political and cultural moment, reflecting tensions between the White House and influential tech figures. The incident underscores the volatile mix of politics, social media, and celebrity influence in current American discourse.