By 
President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to sever government contracts with billionaire Elon Musk’s companies, while Musk fired back by suggesting Trump should be impeached — turning their once-close alliance into a public social media brawl.
The hostilities erupted after Trump criticized the Tesla and SpaceX CEO during a meeting in the Oval Office, according to Reuters.
Within hours, the relationship between the world’s most powerful man and its richest citizen unraveled in full public view, with both trading barbs on Trump’s Truth Social platform and Musk’s X (formerly Twitter).
“The easiest way to save money in our Budget — Billions and Billions of Dollars — is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
The fallout was swift on Wall Street. Shares of Tesla tumbled 14.3% by market close, wiping out roughly $150 billion in value — the steepest single-day loss in the company’s history.
Minutes after markets closed, Musk endorsed a post on X calling for Trump’s impeachment, replying simply, “Yes.” With Republicans holding majorities in both chambers of Congress, however, the prospect of impeachment remains highly improbable.
Tensions between the two had been escalating in recent days after Musk publicly denounced Trump’s sweeping tax cut and spending bill.
While Trump initially refrained from responding, Musk actively campaigned against the legislation, warning it would further inflate the nation’s $36.2 trillion debt.
Trump broke his silence Thursday, telling reporters in the Oval Office he was “very disappointed” in Musk.
“Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” the president said.
As Trump spoke, Musk posted a series of increasingly pointed remarks on X.
“Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” wrote Musk, who spent nearly $300 million backing Trump and other Republican candidates in last year’s election. “Such ingratitude.”
In another post, Musk predicted Trump’s signature tariffs would push the U.S. into recession before year’s end.
In addition to Tesla, Musk’s business empire includes rocket company and major government contractor SpaceX, as well as its satellite internet division, Starlink — both of which hold significant federal contracts that could be at risk if Trump follows through on his threats.
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