^{Photo: Hindustan Times}

🇺🇸 A Public Breakup in Real Time

This weekend marked a dramatic shift in the relationship between Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump. Early Saturday, multiple posts from Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter)—including a sensational claim tying Trump to the Jeffrey Epstein files and a public suggestion of impeachment—vanished from his feed .

These deletions follow a sharp turn in the narrative: just one week earlier, Musk and Trump had expressed mutual praise at the close of Musk’s role leading the Department of Government Efficiency. Now, their bond appears fractured by a high-stakes political dispute.

The Epstein Allegation: “The Real Reason” Posts Vanished

On Thursday, Musk posted two of his most incendiary posts to date:

1. A claim that Trump’s name appears in sealed files belonging to the late Jeffrey Epstein—“the real reason they have not been made public”
2. An endorsement responding “yes” to a user urging Trump’s impeachment and replacement by Vice President J.D. Vance .

By Saturday morning, both were gone. Users faced a blank page labeled, “Hmm…this page doesn’t exist”. While Musk left no explanation, the removals signal a potential de-escalation amid rising political heat.

Trump Strikes Back: Threats & Rebuke

Trump responded forcefully:

• Warned Musk on NBC that if he supports Democratic candidates, he’ll face “very serious consequences”
• Suggested pulling SpaceX and Starlink contracts, saying ending Musk’s subsidies could save “billions and billions”
• On-air from Air Force One, Trump said he has “no desire” to reconcile—his relationship with Musk, he concluded, is most likely over
• Dismissed Musk’s allegations, calling them “old news” and repeating statements from Epstein’s attorney confirming no accusations against Trump

J.D. Vance: Trump Loyalist and Mediator

Vice President J.D. Vance, appearing on Theo Von’s podcast, described Musk’s move as a “huge mistake” but avoided attacking him personally, calling Musk an “emotional guy” whose frustrations went nuclear.

Vance publicly defended Trump, stating he is “proud to stand beside him” and that Musk’s claims are “totally false”. He expressed hope Musk might reconcile but acknowledged it’s unlikely after the extremity of recent posts .

De-escalation or Damage Control?

Journalists across outlets—ABC, Business Insider, TIME, People, SF Chronicle—reported the deletions as signs of Musk dialing back the rhetoric . Though Trump remains firm against reconciliation, the removals offer a glimmer of cooling tempers in what had been an escalating public feud.

Behind the Split: The “Big Beautiful Bill” Dispute

The feud began over Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping tax-and-spending package passed by the House and advancing in the Senate. Musk publicly branded it a “disgusting abomination,” criticizing its ballooning deficit.

Trump, in response, accused Musk of betrayal—labeling him “crazy” in a Truth Social post—and warned of contract and subsidy revocations .

Reverberations Ahead

• Contracts & Funding at Risk: Trump’s veiled threat to target SpaceX and Starlink may point to serious financial implications for Musk’s companies .
• Political Split: Once Musk's top backer—donating roughly $300 million in 2024—Trump says he won’t support Musk if he crosses over to Democrats .
• Reputation Fallout: Public figures and media outlets will scrutinize Musk’s credibility after him making and deleting a bold but unsubstantiated claim

What’s Next?

• Will Trump Follow Through? Trump’s warning about contracts and funding remains on the table—but advisors indicate no formal action yet .
• Musk’s Strategy: He’s hinting at launching a new “America Party,” though details remain unclear .
• Relationship Status: Trump remains firm—no reunion plans. Musk’s strategic deletions may signal damage control, not conciliation.

Final Thoughts

What once seemed a powerful digital alliance between Musk and Trump has imploded under conflicting political ambitions and messaging. Musk’s dramatic deletions might ease public tension—but with subsidies at risk and personal bonds severed, the fallout could be long-lasting. As the 2026 midterms approach, expect more scrutiny on political contributions, federal contracts, and the personal dynamics between two of the most influential figures in tech and politics today.

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