Early-Morning Drama Strains Trump-Musk Alliance
President Donald Trump publicly criticized Elon Musk overnight, accusing the Tesla CEO of benefiting from government subsidies while opposing key elements of the administration’s sweeping economic legislation. The comment came just after midnight as debates intensified over the bill’s provisions on energy and artificial intelligence.
“Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa,” Trump posted on Truth Social. He also invoked the recently formed DOGE Task Force — previously led by Musk — suggesting it should examine the issue.
The tensions reflect growing opposition within the tech sector to the so-called “big, beautiful bill,” which has undergone several controversial changes in recent days. These include new taxes on green energy companies and additional incentives for fossil fuel industries.
AI Regulation Shield Stripped from Bill
Further division arose when the Senate voted overwhelmingly to remove a proposed measure that would have shielded artificial intelligence firms from state-level regulation. Initially popular among Silicon Valley leaders, the provision was eliminated after Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee opposed a compromise plan late Monday.
By early Tuesday, the Senate voted 99-1 in favor of Blackburn’s amendment to strike the AI protections. The decisive vote indicates a shifting consensus in Congress on regulating emerging technologies more aggressively at both state and federal levels.
GOP Support for Bill Wavers
Meanwhile, the bill’s overall future remains uncertain. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) have withheld support, raising the possibility of a failed vote if they join two Republicans already pledged to oppose the package.
These defections would be enough to stall the legislation — a centerpiece of Trump’s second-term agenda.
Musk Responds with Political Pressure
The clash between Musk and the Republican establishment reached new intensity Monday afternoon when the billionaire warned lawmakers of electoral consequences.
Musk, who has previously criticized both parties, stated that any Republican who votes for the bill “will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.” The threat follows his increasing alignment with political independents and critiques of the current legislative approach.
Outlook
With bipartisan disagreements over AI regulation and internal GOP fractures on energy and spending, the bill’s path forward is unclear. The president’s relationship with Musk — once cooperative — now appears to be another fault line in the growing divide between Washington and the tech world.
