UPDATE: Tensions between Donald Trump and Elon Musk have escalated dramatically, with Musk labeling Trump advisor Sergio Gor a “snake” following a series of public disputes. This feud, characterized by emotional exchanges, mirrors elements of a bitter separation, according to experts.
In a fiery post on X earlier this year, Musk criticized Gor after a New York Post report revealed Gor had failed to secure a permanent security clearance despite overseeing vetting procedures for thousands within the White House. Musk’s attack was a response to Gor’s involvement in the controversial management of personnel during Trump’s administration.
This public fallout marks a significant shift in the once-close relationship between Musk and Trump, who had collaborated extensively prior to this clash. Musk had previously donated over $250 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign, demonstrating a strong bond that now appears irreparably damaged.
The friction reached a boiling point when Musk and Gor clashed over potential reductions to Cabinet departments during a March Cabinet session, prompting Trump to clarify that department leaders held the ultimate authority—not Musk or DOGE. Musk’s displeasure intensified after Gor helped block the appointment of Jared Isaacman as head of NASA, a nominee Musk had supported.
In a CBS interview on May 27, Musk expressed disapproval of Trump’s domestic spending legislation, predicting it would inflate the national deficit and undermine DOGE’s mission to reduce federal spending. Following Musk’s departure from the White House, Trump insisted during an Oval Office farewell that Musk was “not really leaving,” only for Musk to denounce the spending bill as “pork-filled” and a “disgusting abomination” shortly afterward.
On June 5, Trump expressed his disappointment, citing a lack of gratitude from Musk, claiming he “always liked him” and suggesting Musk’s criticism stemmed from the bill’s elimination of EV subsidies. Musk retorted that Trump would have lost the election without his backing, declaring, “Such ingratitude.”
As the war of words escalated, Trump threatened to terminate government contracts held by Musk’s companies while Musk insinuated that Trump was linked to the Jeffrey Epstein files, questioning his integrity. Musk even called for Trump’s third impeachment, further intensifying the public spectacle.
The fallout from this high-profile feud has drawn significant attention, with experts weighing in on the emotional toll such public disputes can take. Dr. Rudy Roman, a clinical education professor at the University of Southern California, noted the unique pressures faced by individuals in high-stakes public conflicts. “Everything is extremely public,” said Roman. “The entire world knows, which adds immense pressure.”
Moreover, he highlighted the challenges of navigating disputes involving individuals with narcissistic traits, a characteristic that both Musk and Trump may exhibit. “When you look at narcissism at its core, there’s this belief of grandiosity,” he explained. This can escalate conflicts as both parties seek to defend their self-image amid public scrutiny.
Despite the heated exchanges, the situation took a turn when Trump later claimed he bore “no hard feelings” towards Musk. On the other hand, Musk acknowledged his overreaction, issuing a public apology on X, admitting he had “gone too far” in his attacks.
As this saga unfolds, observers are left wondering what the next chapter holds for these powerful figures. The fallout highlights the fragile nature of their alliance and the potential for further developments that could reshape their public personas and political influence.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.