WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has dismissed Elon Musk as having “lost his mind” amid an escalating public feud between the once-close allies that has dominated political headlines, according to multiple media reports.
In a phone interview with ABC News, Trump was asked about reports of a scheduled Friday phone call with the Tesla CEO and SpaceX founder. “You mean the man who has lost his mind?” Trump reportedly responded, according to the interview.
A White House official confirmed that no phone call was scheduled between Trump and his former ally, contradicting earlier reports of potential reconciliation talks. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One later Friday, Trump stated he had no plans to speak with Musk.
The president is now considering selling his Tesla vehicle, which he purchased earlier this year to show support for Musk, according to sources familiar with the situation. Trump had previously described Tesla as Musk’s “baby” when he bought the electric vehicle.
The feud has escalated to the point where Trump is threatening to cut government contracts and subsidies that are key to Musk’s business empire, signaling a dramatic reversal in their relationship.
The conflict appears to have intensified after the White House pulled the nomination of Jared Isaacman for NASA administrator, a move that preceded Musk’s sudden criticism of Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” – referring to a government spending package.
Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon has declared there is no “going back” for Musk in his feud with Trump, stating that Musk “crossed the Rubicon” by calling for impeachment. Bannon suggested the president should treat the dispute as a “national security issue.”
The bitter online feud kicked off between the once-close allies on Thursday, with pointed exchanges playing out throughout the day across social media platforms and in comments to reporters.
Musk initially threatened Thursday to stop future flights delivering astronauts to the International Space Station, leveraging his company SpaceX’s critical role in NASA operations, though he appeared to walk back that threat later in the day.
The public breakdown represents a stunning reversal for two figures who had maintained a close working relationship throughout Trump’s presidency. Musk had served in an advisory capacity and frequently promoted Trump’s policies on his social media platform X.
Reports suggest Musk may attempt to speak with Trump administration aides Friday in an effort to defuse tensions, though Trump’s latest comments indicate little appetite for reconciliation.
The feud has generated significant market attention, with Tesla shares facing pressure amid uncertainty about the company’s relationship with the Trump administration. Any sign of trouble for Tesla is considered good news for Chinese electric vehicle makers competing in the global market.
The international implications of the dispute have drawn attention, with Russia reportedly offering political asylum to Musk over the Trump feud, though this appears to be more political theater than serious diplomacy.
The conflict centers on fundamental disagreements over government spending and policy direction, with Musk increasingly vocal in his criticism of Trump’s legislative priorities. The dispute has exposed deeper tensions within Trump’s coalition about the direction of his administration.
Political observers note that both figures are known for their combative public personas and unwillingness to back down from confrontations, suggesting the feud may continue to escalate rather than resolve quickly.
The breakdown between Trump and Musk represents one of the most significant political splits of Trump’s presidency, given Musk’s influence in technology, space exploration, and electric vehicle industries that intersect with federal policy and contracts.
