The feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has officially entered hostile territory, with the former president threatening “economic consequences” if the billionaire backs Democratic candidates or policies in the 2025 midterm elections. The relationship, once seen as a convergence of disruptive politics and tech innovation, is now spiraling into a personal and political standoff with national implications.
During a fiery appearance on conservative talk radio, Trump made his most direct threats yet toward Musk. “If he thinks he can just throw money at the radical left and not face consequences, he’s wrong,” Trump said. “We have laws, and we have levers. No one is above that—not even Elon.”
Trump’s statement follows weeks of rising tension. The spark? Musk’s public criticism of the administration’s flagship economic bill, which includes a rollback of EV subsidies and expanded oil incentives. Musk has called the bill “an anti-innovation disaster,” while Trump has insisted it’s “a blueprint for American strength.”
Insiders now confirm Musk has been quietly meeting with Democratic lawmakers and moderate independents, reportedly weighing a multi-million-dollar donation strategy that could reshape battleground races in 2025.
The escalation from Trump was swift. According to sources familiar with internal discussions, Trump’s advisers are examining Musk’s defense contracts with the Pentagon and exploring whether certain tax credits afforded to Tesla and SpaceX can be legally challenged or revoked under new regulatory frameworks.
Experts warn such threats, if acted upon, would provoke fierce legal battles and accusations of political retaliation. “Weaponizing government authority against a private citizen for their political affiliations is extremely dangerous,” said constitutional law professor Hannah Reaves.
Musk, known for his unfiltered communication, has not taken the threats lightly. In a recent interview with Axios, he described Trump’s approach as “authoritarian posturing” and reiterated his intention to support candidates “who prioritize science, liberty, and the Constitution—regardless of their party.”
This public breakdown marks a stunning reversal. In 2020 and 2024, Musk donated heavily to Trump-aligned Super PACs and was even floated as a possible head of a future White House Office of Innovation. Today, Musk is reportedly assembling a coalition of politically unaffiliated technologists, entrepreneurs, and donors to challenge entrenched partisan leadership from both sides.
Markets have reacted uneasily to the drama. Tesla stock has dipped 4% over the past week amid speculation that Musk’s ventures could come under political scrutiny. Meanwhile, Republican fundraising groups are experiencing fractures as libertarian-aligned donors hesitate to choose between Trump’s hardline populism and Musk’s techno-centrism.
“It’s an open question which side gains more from this breakup,” said strategist Anya Patel. “Trump strengthens his hold on the base by casting Musk as disloyal. Musk, meanwhile, could tap into a massive, frustrated middle who are tired of politics as usual.”
For now, both sides are showing no signs of backing down. And with the midterms just months away, this high-stakes drama may only be getting started.
