U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering selling his Tesla vehicle, as tensions between him and billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk continue to escalate. According to CBS News, a senior White House official confirmed that the president’s red Tesla, once a symbol of his temporary support for Musk’s electric vehicle company, has remained unused for weeks, parked on the White House premises.
The strained relationship between the two influential figures burst into public view following a heated exchange on social media. The fallout began when Trump expressed “disappointment” over Musk’s criticism of his recent federal spending bill, a move that appeared to catch Musk off guard. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO fired back with a stinging rebuke, accusing Trump of “ingratitude” and boldly claiming, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election.”
In a sharp response on Thursday, Trump labeled Musk as “the man who has lost his mind,” signaling that reconciliation is not on the horizon. Despite earlier reports suggesting the two would speak by phone, a White House spokesperson told the BBC that Trump has no intention of contacting Musk today.
This confrontation marks a significant rupture in a previously cordial relationship. Musk had once served as an informal adviser during Trump’s first term and had enjoyed a favorable relationship with the administration, particularly in relation to government contracts awarded to Musk’s companies—SpaceX, Starlink, and Tesla.
Notably, SpaceX plays a critical role in U.S. space operations, including transporting American astronauts. Musk recently stepped back from a veiled threat to decommission one of its key spacecraft used in these missions, a move that could have strained relations with the government further.
Analysts suggest the spat could have broader implications, especially as Trump eyes reelection and Musk increasingly engages in political commentary. While it’s unclear whether Trump will follow through with selling his Tesla, the move would serve as a powerful symbol of the deteriorating relationship between two of America’s most influential and outspoken figures.
As the row continues to play out in public, the future of cooperation between Musk’s companies and the federal government remains uncertain.
