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TIMELINE: Inside the evolving relationship between Trump and Musk from first term to this week’s fallout
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The fallout between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump is an evolving situation marked by a public blowup on Thursday, but their relationship ties back to Trump’s first term and even earlier.
A November 2016 CNBC interview with the Tesla CEO, who’s now the richest man in the world, took a critical tone of the now president just days before he was elected president in an upset that signified the strength of the populist movement.
«Honestly, I think Hillary’s economic policies and her environmental policies particularly are the right ones, you know, but yeah. Also, I don’t think this is the finest moment in our democracy at all,» Musk said.
«Well, I feel a bit stronger that probably he’s not the right guy. He just doesn’t seem to have the sort of character that reflects well on the United States,» he later added in the interview.
‘KILL BILL’: ELON MUSK’S CONSERVATIVE EVOLUTION PUTS HIM AT ODDS WITH TRUMP ON KEY LEGISLATION
U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk attend a press conference in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., May 30, 2025. (REUTERS/Nathan Howard)
During Trump’s first term, Musk was part of some of his economic advisory councils, which often includes CEOs, but ultimately left his post because he disagreed with the president’s move to exit the Paris Climate Accords.
«Am departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world,» Musk posted at the time.
The two continued to have an on-and-off relationship, but there were some positive signs in May 2020.
«Elon Musk, congratulations. Congratulations, Elon. Thanks, Elon. For Elon and 8,000 SpaceX employees, today is the fulfillment of a dream almost two decades in the making,» Trump said at the Kennedy Space Center in May 2020.
And at the SpaceX Demo-2 launch, Trump said he and Musk communicate regularly.
«Well, I won’t get into it. But, yeah — but I speak to him all the time. Great guy. He’s one of our great brains. We like great brains. And Elon has done a fantastic job,» he said.
ELON MUSK’S NET WORTH PLUMMETS BY $34B AMID ESCALATING FEUD WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk (Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Fast forward to 2022, when Musk purchased Twitter and renamed it X, and brought back Trump’s account that November, after it was suspended after the events of Jan. 6, 2021. In 2022, Musk also announced that he would vote Republican, but indicated he would back Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis if he opted to seek the nomination.
DeSantis launched his campaign on X in a «space,» a virtual public event forum, with Musk, who also reportedly significantly financially backed the Florida governor, according to The Wall Street Journal.
However, a major turning point was in July 2024, after the assassination attempt of Trump at a rally in Butler, Penn.
«I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,» Musk posted.
Musk then campaigned for the president, including a famous moment when he was jumping on stage at his comeback rally in Butler.
WOULD DONALD TRUMP HAVE WON THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WITHOUT ELON MUSK’S HELP?
BUTLER, PA – OCT. 5: Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk speaks with former president Donald Trump during a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. ((Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images))
«I want to say what an honor it is to be here and, you know, the true test of someone’s character is how they behave under fire, right?» Musk said at the rally. «And we had one president who couldn’t climb a flight of stairs and another who was fist pumping after getting shot.»
«This is no ordinary election,» the tech CEO continued. «The other side wants to take away your freedom of speech.»
«Just be a pest to everyone,» he added. «You know, people on the street everywhere: Vote, vote, vote!»
The tech billionaire spent roughly $300 million through America PAC to boost swing state voter efforts, including Pennsylvania.
By the time the presidential election rolled around, Trump and Musk appeared to be close friends as the Tesla CEO was with Trump in Mar-a-Lago on election night. Over the next few days, Musk remained in Florida and was reportedly advising Trump on appointments and policy as the transition to a new administration kicked off.
A week later, shortly before Musk and the new president appeared at a SpaceX launch together in Texas, Trump announced that Musk and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy would be heading up the Department of Government Efficiency in an effort to rid the government of waste, fraud, and abuse.
Trump described the pair as «two wonderful Americans’ and although Ramaswamy left that post in January and is now running for governor in Ohio, Musk stayed on and quickly became the face of an agency that made him the main target of attacks from Democrats pushing back on spending cuts that they argued were too drastic.
Protests erupted nationwide against Musk and DOGE including violent outbursts at his Tesla dealerships that tanked the company’s stock and were labeled as acts of «domestic terrorism» by the Justice Department.
FLASHBACK: TOP FIVE WILDEST MOMENTS FROM ELON MUSK’S DOGE TENURE AS IT COMES TO AN END
President Donald Trump bought a Tesla from Musk at the White House as a show of support earlier this year when the EV-maker faced consumer backlash over Musk’s political activism. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)
During the first few months of the year, Musk and Trump were spotted together at several viral events including a UFC fight, an Oval Office meeting where Musk’s son «Little X» stole the show, and a cabinet meeting in late February where Musk was the main focus.
In March, Trump hosted Elon at a Tesla showcase in front of the White House amid a dip in Tesla stock where the president told reporters he was purchasing a Tesla while touting the company.
As Musk’s time at DOGE began to wind down, his employee classification allowed him to serve for 130 days, the newly formed agency had become the poster child of anti-Trump sentiment from Democrats who consistently attacked the $175 billion in spending cuts that DOGE estimated it delivered.
Signs of fracture in the relationship began showing in late May when Musk took a public shot at Trump’s «big beautiful bill» as it made its way through Congress.
«I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it, and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing,» Musk said.
Two days later, Musk announced his official departure from DOGE.
«As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,» Musk said, adding that the effects of DOGE «will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.»
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump greets Elon Musk as he arrives to attend a viewing of the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket (Brandon Bell)
DOGE, which fell short of Musk’s initial goal of slashing $1 trillion in spending which Musk said he still remains optimistic will happen in the future, will continue its work without Musk, who said, «I look forward to continuing to be a friend and adviser to the president.»
That optimistic tone shifted drastically on June 3 when Musk took to X, the platform he owns, and blasted the budget reconciliation bill calling it «a disgusting abomination» and criticizing the Republicans who voted for it.
«KILL THE BILL,» Musk said the next day.
A day after that, on Thursday, the feud hit a fever pitch.
While speaking with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said that he was «very disappointed» by Musk’s vocal criticisms of the bill. The president claimed that Musk knew what was in the bill and «had no problem» with it until the EV incentives had to be cut.
On X, Musk called that assessment «false.»
Trump turned to social media to criticize Musk, who he appointed to find ways to cut $2 trillion after forming the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
«Elon was ‘wearing thin,’ I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!» Trump said in one post.
In another post, Trump said, «I don’t mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago. This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress. It’s a Record Cut in Expenses, $1.6 Trillion Dollars, and the Biggest Tax Cut ever given.»
«If this Bill doesn’t pass, there will be a 68% tax increase, and things far worse than that. I didn’t create this mess, I’m just here to FIX IT. This puts our Country on a Path of Greatness. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!»
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Elon Musk speaks on stage as he joins former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a campaign rally at site of his first assassination attempt in Butler, Pa. on Oct. 5, 2024. (JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
At one point, Musk referenced late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein in relation to Trump as part of the larger tirade in a comment that several Republicans told Fox News Digital went «too far.»
Other posts from Musk included a claim that Trump would not have won the election without his help while accusing Trump of «ingratitude.» In another post, Musk suggested that Trump should be impeached and replaced by Vice President Vance.
It is unclear if a resolution to the feud is coming in the next few days. Fox News Digital reported on Friday morning that Musk wants to speak to Trump and that White House aides could possibly broker a meeting.
Trump told Fox News on Friday that he isn’t interested in talking to Musk, adding that «Elon’s totally lost it.»
Trump also said to Fox News’ Bret Baier that he isn’t worried about Musk’s suggestion to form a new political party, citing favorable polls and strong support from Republicans on Capitol Hill.
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Nursery apologizes for alleged antisemitic remark to jobseeker in rejection text message: ‘Repugnant’
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Public outrage erupted after a young Israeli jobseeker received a rejection message that civil rights activists condemned as «repugnant,» sparking a protest outside an Australian plant nursery and prompting the business to publicly apologize for its co-owner’s alleged antisemitic remarks.
A 24-year-old Jewish woman, who wished to remain anonymous, received the rejection text after applying for a job at The Garden of Eden Nursery in Albert Park in Melbourne, the Herald Sun reported on Saturday.
Brett Dahan allegedly told the woman that the position had been filled by «someone with a semblance of humanity» and that she should leave the country — just weeks after she had moved to Australia.
«Unfortunately, the position has been filled by someone with a semblance of humanity and who cares for plants, animals, and the environment. Good luck on your journey and I hope you leave Melbourne soon! Free Palestine and end genocide NOW. You’re complicit in IT,» the text read.
IRAN’S PROXY WAR ON JEWS IS AN ALL-OUT ATTACK ON WESTERN CIVILIZATION. AUSTRALIA GETS IT
The Garden of Eden Nursery in Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia. (Google Maps)
Having expected a warm welcome after her move, the woman said she was «shocked and deeply disappointed» by the hostility of the response, the Herald Sun reported.
«I came to Australia believing it was a fair and welcoming country but reading those words – so full of hostility – was heartbreaking,» she said. «I was judged, not as a person, but as an Israeli.»
In a phone call with the Herald Sun, Dahan said he «did not know» why he had sent the message. The local outlet added that he repeatedly failed to answer any follow-up questions.
ANTI-ISRAEL ACTIVIST CONFRONTS FORMER IDF SOLDIER ON NEW YORK BEACH, GETS QUESTIONED IN RETURN
The Melbourne skyline in Australia. (Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
The incident has sparked widespread backlash from the Jewish community, with protesters gathering outside the nursery, news.com.au reported.
According to Australia’s Equal Opportunity Act, discriminating against a job applicant based on their nationality is illegal.
In a statement shared by the company on Sunday, the nursery, run by twin brothers Brett and Scott Dahan, later issued a statement apologizing to the Jewish community and expressing regret over the message sent «by a staff member.»
«The Garden of Eden Nursery would like to express its regret and extend its sincere apologies to the community in regards to the recent message sent to a member of the public by a staff member,» the company said, adding that the matter is being addressed internally.
NETANYAHU SLAMS AUSTRALIA PM, SAYS HE ‘BETRAYED ISRAEL AND ABANDONED AUSTRALIA’S JEWS’
Aerial view of Melbourne, Australia. (iStock)
«We are deeply upset and disappointed by the content of the message, which in no way reflects the values, standards, or spirit of our business or team,» the company continued.
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The country’s Anti-Defamation Commission Chairman Dr. Dvir Abramovich criticized the apology Sunday and said true accountability would be to close the business.
«Mr. Dahan’s repugnant text wasn’t a slip. It was a deliberate, written act meant to humiliate and degrade,» Abramovich said in a statement on social media. «Apologizing ‘to the community,’ blaming ‘a staff member,’ and saying it will be handled ‘internally’ is not accountability.»
Abramovich emphasized that the woman deserves a direct and personal apology from Dahan.
The Garden of Eden Nursery did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
australia,world,anti semitism,israel
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Estados Unidos: golpeado por las derrotas, Donald Trump sigue atacando a Zohran Mamdani, pero el alcalde electo de Nueva York no se queda callado
Ilustración que muestra los periódicos Daily News y New York Times publicando las noticias sobre la victoria de Zohran Mamdani en las elecciones. Foto ReutersINTERNACIONAL
UFC legend endorses pro-law enforcement pick for California governor: ‘We need his strength’
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EXCLUSIVE: Ultimate Fighting Championship pioneer and legend Royce Gracie has endorsed a pro-law enforcement candidate who is running for governor in California.
One of the biggest names in mixed martial arts and the first UFC champion, Gracie made a name for himself by taking down much larger opponents through precision and skill.
Now he is weighing into the political sphere in the race to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and widely rumored to have 2028 presidential ambitions.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Gracie said he is endorsing sheriff Chad Bianco’s long-shot bid to replace Newsom in 2026. Gracie, a three-time UFC champion, called Bianco a «fighter» who is «exactly who we need.»
KATIE PORTER SAYS SHE REGRETS VIRAL OUTBURSTS AT REPORTER, STAFFER
Riverside County, California sheriff Chad Bianco announces his 2026 Republican campaign for governor, in the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, in Riverside, California, on Feb. 17, 2025. (Chad Bianco campaign)
«When Gavin Newsom closed businesses, schools, and churches, one person stood against him, Sheriff Chad Bianco,» Gracie told Fox News Digital.
«Chad Bianco didn’t fold. He’s a fighter, and a fighter is exactly who we need as Governor of California,» he added, saying, «We need his strength to turn this state around after the mess Gavin Newsom has created.»
Bianco, who is a vocal Trump supporter and the sheriff of Riverside County, just east of Los Angeles, announced his gubernatorial candidacy back in February, saying, «Californians deserve better.»
He has framed his candidacy around restoring safety and a better quality of life to California.
«This campaign will not be about the divide between Republicans and Democrats. It will be about the common goal we all have for a better California,» Bianco emphasized at his campaign launch.
«As Californians, we want leadership that actually cares about the cost of living …and leaders who will do something about it,» Bianco said in his address. «We want homes we can afford. We want air conditioning when it’s hot, not rolling blackouts. We want water for the crops and animals that feed us. We want the opportunity to achieve the California Dream, not be prevented from it because of red tape and regulation from government. We want honesty and transparency from our elected officials. We want lower taxes and less government waste. We want sanity restored and common sense to prevail.»
PELOSI SPOKESMAN SIDESTEPS RETIREMENT RUMORS AS DEM PRIMARY THREATS WAIT IN WINGS
Jiu-Jitsu black belt Royce Gracie kicks at cruiserweight boxer Art Jimmerson during a 1st round match in the Ultimate Fighter Championships in Denver, Colorado. Gracie went on to win the match and eventually the championship. (Markus Boes)
Bianco, who has worked in law enforcement for more than three decades, was first elected sheriff in 2018. A vocal critic of Newsom and soft on crime policies, Bianco was one of the leaders who helped push California’s Proposition 36 ballot measure to a landslide victory in last November’s elections. The measure, which took effect in December, mandates stiffer penalties and longer sentences in California for certain drug and theft crimes.
In response to Gracie’s endorsement, Bianco told Fox News Digital that «Californians are waking up, and we are going to clean up this state.»
«Gavin Newsom has been chasing away Californians in record numbers,» he said, adding, «I’m grateful for the support of patriots like Royce Gracie.»
Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom’s office for comment but did not receive a statement by the time of publication.
Bianco is facing a steep uphill battle to win as a Republican in deep blue California. It has been nearly two decades since a Republican won a statewide race.
Though still early, the current frontrunner to be Newsom’s successor is former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, a progressive who has made resisting President Donald Trump a central theme of her campaign.
CALIFORNIA FIREFIGHTERS TOLD TO IGNORE SIGNS OF A FIRE: REPORT
Republican Sheriff Chad Bianco (left) received an endorsement from UFC legend Royce Gracie (right) for California governor. (Images courtesy of Chad Bianco Campaign)
Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary under the Biden administration and former California attorney general, is also running for the Democratic nomination.
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The Democratic and Republican primaries will be held on June 2 next year and the general election will be on Nov. 3.
california,gavin newsom,elections
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