Trump vs. Musk 2: Clash Over Spending, EV Mandates & the Future of Energy
The simmering tension between former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk has boiled over again, as both men traded jabs over Trump’s signature second-term legislation—dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill.” What began as policy disagreements over electric vehicle (EV) mandates and federal subsidies has now escalated into a broader feud over government spending, energy priorities, and political loyalty.
Musk’s Rebuke: “They Will Lose Their Primary”
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, issued his strongest criticism yet of the sweeping bill, threatening to launch a political campaign against lawmakers who vote for it. “If this insane spending bill passes,” Musk declared, “the America Party will be formed the next day.” He continued:
“Anyone who campaigned on the promise of reducing spending, but continues to vote on the biggest debt ceiling increase in history will see their face on this poster in the primary next year.”
In a direct warning, Musk added:
“They will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.”
His opposition reflects deep frustration with what he sees as unchecked fiscal excess—and the removal of subsidies that affect sectors he champions, like battery storage and solar energy. The bill would eliminate or phase out numerous clean energy tax credits, including support for domestic battery manufacturing, which Musk has argued is critical to U.S. energy independence.
Trump Responds: “Elon May Get More Subsidy Than Anyone in History”
Trump quickly fired back, framing Musk’s opposition as self-interest:
“Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly endorsed me, that I was strongly against the EV mandate… Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history.”
He continued with a jab at Musk’s reliance on federal support:
“Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more rocket launches, satellites, or electric car production.”
Trump maintains that his legislation removes mandates—not bans—and instead returns consumer choice to the forefront. His camp argues the bill delivers the largest tax cuts, job creation, and border security funding in U.S. history, while reducing dependency on “forced” EV adoption.
What’s Actually in the Bill?
The current Senate version of the bill includes:
A rollback of federal EV mandates.
The end of many clean energy subsidies by 2027.
A new tax on solar and wind projects that fail to meet U.S.-sourcing requirements.
Increases to defense and border security funding.
Large-scale tax cuts, especially for fossil fuel producers and traditional automakers.
Clean energy advocates warn that the bill could lead to an 8–10% increase in energy prices and severely impact future clean tech investments. Musk’s criticism has focused not only on the policy changes but also on what he sees as a betrayal of fiscal restraint by self-described “limited government” conservatives.
Energy, Politics & 2026
The public clash between Trump and Musk reflects a deeper divide within the Republican coalition over the future of energy and government spending. Trump’s camp emphasizes fossil fuels, deregulation, and traditional manufacturing, while Musk champions clean tech, electrification, and fiscal restraint.
As the “Big Beautiful Bill” heads toward a vote, its implications extend far beyond energy policy. With Musk vowing to challenge lawmakers who back it and Trump cementing it as a cornerstone of his agenda, the battle over energy, subsidies, and spending could reshape the political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections.