Red Carpet in Red Square? Russia Invites Musk as Trump Calls Him ‘Phony’
Published on June 7, 2025 by Ruta Deshpande, Deftech Analyst
From Allies to Adversaries — A Dramatic Shift
Donald Trump and Elon Musk were once seen as unlikely yet powerful allies, collaborating on political initiatives and economic agendas that shaped both policy and public opinion. Their alliance was often viewed as a strategic alignment between populist politics and cutting-edge technology. But now, that partnership has unravelled in spectacular fashion. In a matter of just 24 hours, the duo shifted from exchanging mutual admiration to trading fierce public insults. The breakdown, rapid and highly publicized, marks a turning point in their relationship—revealing the fragility of political-business alliances in a highly polarized era.
Trump Slams Musk — “Total Phony”
Donald Trump reportedly unleashed a scathing attack on Elon Musk during a private conversation with his closest advisers. He branded Musk a “total phony” and questioned his motives in aligning with conservative politics. Trump suggested that Musk had always acted in his own self-interest, leveraging Republican support when convenient and pulling back when it no longer served him. This criticism was viewed as a reaction to Musk’s inconsistent support during the 2024 presidential campaign, and it sent shockwaves across conservative circles.
Musk’s Sharp Retort — “Unfit for Office”
Elon Musk responded swiftly and harshly, delivering a scalding counterpunch by declaring Trump “unfit for office.” Musk, once an official White House tech adviser under Trump, expressed regret over his past involvement. He argued that Trump lacks the ability to navigate complex issues like artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation—technologies Musk views as central to America’s future. According to Musk, Trump is stuck in outdated thinking and remains overly focused on personal gain rather than visionary leadership.
“Betrayal of Working People” — Musk on Tax Bill
Musk took his criticism further by targeting Trump’s economic policies, specifically a recently proposed $4 trillion tax bill. He accused the former president of betraying the very working-class voters who helped elect him. In a strongly worded post on X, formerly Twitter, Musk said the bill favors the ultra-wealthy while worsening the national debt. He referred to it as a “debt slavery” trap that would punish middle-income Americans and destroy long-term financial stability for millions of families.
Trump Responds — “Elon’s Jealous”
Trump didn’t let Musk’s barbs go unanswered. He fired back on his social media platform, Truth Social, accusing Musk of being “jealous of [his] popularity.” Trump boasted that Musk has “never had a crowd like mine” and mocked the billionaire’s failed attempts to connect with voters. He framed Musk’s recent criticisms as nothing more than the bitterness of a bruised ego—one driven by envy of Trump’s enduring influence over the Republican base.
The Donation Fallout
Once a major contributor to GOP fundraising efforts, Elon Musk has now signaled that he may halt all political donations to the party. He made it clear that he would not fund politicians who support “reckless spending” and fail to uphold true fiscal conservatism. This declaration could pose a significant blow to Republican campaign coffers. Musk’s financial pull and public influence had been seen as assets, especially for candidates aligned with economic reform and tech-forward policies.
The Grok Controversy Adds Fuel
As tensions escalated, Musk found himself embroiled in an entirely separate controversy involving his AI chatbot, Grok. Critics accused the bot of spreading misinformation, including inflammatory narratives such as “white genocide.” Members of Trump’s inner circle jumped on the controversy to paint Musk as reckless and unethical in managing his technology platforms. They claimed the incident reflected poorly on Musk’s leadership and called into question his suitability as a figure of influence in the digital and political landscape.
Trump’s Camp Accuses Musk of Disloyalty
Sources close to Trump did not hold back in expressing their discontent with Musk’s apparent shift in loyalties. One adviser reportedly said, “You don’t switch sides mid-battle,” accusing Musk of abandoning the movement just as Trump gears up for another presidential run. They portrayed Musk as a political opportunist—someone who takes advantage of alliances until they are no longer useful. This sentiment has deepened the rift between Musk and the GOP leadership, solidifying his estrangement.
Musk Doubles Down — “End the Establishment”
Refusing to back down, Musk doubled down on his anti-establishment rhetoric. He declared that the feud with Trump was about more than just a personal disagreement—it represented a larger struggle to overhaul entrenched power structures in American politics. Through memes, videos, and lengthy posts, Musk called for a sweeping political transformation. He presented himself as a disruptor seeking to replace outdated institutions with new, tech-savvy leadership capable of guiding the nation into the next era.
What This Means Going Forward
The fallout between Trump and Musk isn’t just a celebrity spat; it reflects a deep ideological divide within the conservative movement and among America’s elites. Their public clash lays bare fundamental disagreements on leadership, economics, and the role of technology in governance. What began as a strategic partnership has now morphed into an intense rivalry. With both men commanding loyal followings, this feud could have long-lasting political implications that reshape conversations ahead of the 2024 elections.