New Delhi, June 6 (IANS) — The intensifying feud between U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk is “expected but surprisingly early,” according to foreign policy expert Robinder Sachdev, who warned on Friday that the clash between two of the most influential figures in American public life could create a turbulent political and economic environment with far-reaching consequences.
Speaking to IANS, Sachdev noted that the Trump-Musk alliance was instrumental in the Republican Party’s sweeping 2024 election victory, helping both men advance their bold visions to reshape U.S. politics and policy. But he added that a breakdown was always a matter of when—not if.
“In many ways, this confrontation was inevitable,” he said. “Two powerful personalities like Trump and Musk were never going to coexist peacefully for long—two swords cannot be sheathed in the same scabbard. What’s surprising is how quickly it’s all unraveled.”
Sachdev emphasized that the fallout could have a profound impact on U.S. governance and stability.
“Trump, as the sitting President and a dominant force in the Republican Party, has the power to raise issues that could directly threaten Musk’s businesses,” he said. “But Musk is no less formidable. With his immense financial resources, he can support pro- or anti-Trump candidates and influence political outcomes. This power struggle will complicate the national landscape and reshape political dynamics in the country.”
The rift escalated dramatically after Trump accused Musk of hypocrisy—claiming the Tesla CEO had supported provisions in his proposed “Big Beautiful Bill” and is now publicly attacking it for political or personal reasons. Musk has denied the charge.
“There are two separate but related issues at play,” Sachdev explained. “One is the future of the EV market. Musk has always known that Trump is no fan of electric vehicles. Trump supports traditional automakers and the fossil fuel industry. In contrast, former President Joe Biden championed EVs with generous federal tax incentives.”
“Trump’s proposed legislation removes those incentives, which will naturally hurt Tesla, the market leader in EVs,” he added. “Tesla’s stock has already taken a hit, and it’s likely to remain under pressure if Trump’s policy direction continues.”
Sachdev also highlighted the vulnerability of Musk’s broader business empire, particularly its dependence on federal contracts. SpaceX, for example, has ongoing collaborations with NASA, including the high-profile Dragon spacecraft program.
“Those deals may not be immediately at risk, but the larger relationship between Musk’s companies and the federal government could come under strain if the conflict deepens,” he said.
What began as a policy disagreement has quickly spiraled into a personal and political showdown. Within a span of 24 hours, Trump and Musk traded barbs online, with Trump threatening to revoke government support for Musk’s companies, and Musk retaliating with a fiery call for Trump’s impeachment. He also took aim at the President’s past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The collapse of their alliance marks a stunning reversal for two figures who, until recently, shared mutual respect and political alignment. Their online clash has shifted from disagreements over policy to personal attacks—turning what was once a strategic partnership into a full-blown, high-stakes rivalry.
The implications of this rupture go far beyond two men. As Sachdev warned, the conflict could reshape the future of American politics, business, and public discourse. (Source: IANS)
