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By Andrew Stanton
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The escalating feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk sparked a flurry of reactions from MAGA Republicans on Thursday.
Why It Matters
The relationship between Trump and Musk quickly turned sour this week after Musk criticizing Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," a key piece of legislation that if passed would include an extension of his tax cuts and funding for other priorities like immigration enforcement. Musk and some fiscal conservatives have raised concerns about the bill's impact on the national debt.
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What To Know
Musk, once a political moderate with a history of backing Democrats, embraced Trump over the past year and was tapped to lead his administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a task force aimed at cutting wasteful spending. The two quickly became close allies, and Musk has been among the most visible members of the administration.
But criticism over the "Big Beautiful Bill" fueled a breakdown of the relationship between the two. Musk escalated the feud on Thursday, writing in social media posts that Trump would not have won the 2024 election without his support while also alleging that Trump is mentioned in the Epstein files, not providing context about the claim.
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Trump hit back on his Truth Social, writing: "I don't mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago. This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress. It's a Record Cut in Expenses, $1.6 Trillion Dollars, and the Biggest Tax Cut ever given. If this Bill doesn't pass, there will be a 68% Tax Increase, and things far worse than that. I didn't create this mess, I'm just here to FIX IT. This puts our Country on a Path of Greatness. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
Many high-profile conservatives have reacted to the feud.
Conservative commentator Laura Loomer responded in a series of posts to Musk-owned X, formerly Twitter.
"President Trump's legacy will be eternal," she wrote. "He is the most transformative President we have ever had. @elonmusk He has sacrificed a lot for our country. I don't think anyone should be comparing their life span to President Trump. This fight should be taken offline."
In a separate post, she wrote that it will be "interesting to see what Republican lawmakers do now."
"I know lawmakers who are asking if they should side with President Trump or Elon. I've been on the hill all day and it's all anyone is talking about. The most powerful man in the world vs the richest man in the world."
In a post to Gettr, Steve Bannon, who has been critical of Musk, wrote: "Elon Comes After President Trump."
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk shared some praise for Musk but did not take sides in the feud.
"There will be a lot of fighting and attacks in the days to come, so I just want to say something at the outset," he wrote. "We should never forget how terrible the environment was online prior to October 2022. No matter what happens, I am grateful that Elon Musk bought X and liberated free speech in America. His contribution to America and to civilization from that alone is immense."
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump on Thursday: "Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore. I was surprised. You were here. Everybody in this room practically was here as we had a wonderful send-off. He said wonderful things about me. You couldn't have nicer-said the best things. He's worn the hat. Trump was right about everything, and I am right about the 'Great Big Beautiful Bill.'"
Elon Musk on X: "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate."
Conservative commentator Candace Owens on X: "My favorite part of this is going to be everyone who jumped on me for never joining the Elon-worship party, now do a complete 180. His character was always apparent. You guys were just acting like groupies."
Paul A. Szypula, with more than 300,000 followers on X: "Trump is right that the bill does a lot of great things, but it also doesn't do enough. That said, we don't have a Congress that will do what's right regardless. So I honestly don't blame Trump or Elon here. It's the Uniparty ruining everything. Like usual."
What Happens Next
How the feud between Trump and Musk will continue to play out, as well as what exactly their falling out means for MAGA, remains unclear.
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