Musk turns on Trump: Recession warning and call for impeachment rock Washington
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A high-profile political disagreement is making waves in Washington, with potential consequences that go far beyond headlines.
Billionaire Elon Musk—known for leading Tesla, SpaceX, and the platform X (formerly Twitter)—recently voiced support for the idea of President Donald Trump being replaced by Vice President J.D. Vance.
At the same time, Musk warned that Trump’s proposed tariff policies could lead to a recession later this year.
Though public disagreements between business and political leaders aren’t new, this one has attracted attention because of its timing, tone, and potential economic impact.
The latest tensions began after political commentator Ian Miles Cheong posted on X, “President vs Elon. Who wins? My money’s on Elon. Trump should be impeached and JD Vance should replace him.”
Musk replied with a single word: “Yes.”
Shortly after, Musk added, “The Trump tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year.”
That prediction, coming from a high-profile business figure, has sparked conversation in both political and financial circles.
Shifting alliances
Musk and Trump have shared the spotlight before.
After the 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, Musk publicly supported Trump and reportedly donated around $290 million to Republican campaign efforts.
More recently, however, Musk has expressed concern over Republican legislation and government spending.
In one post, he criticized what he referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” writing, “Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill… but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK.”
He added, “In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that [is] both big and beautiful.”
Musk also voiced frustration about the rollback of electric vehicle mandates and a shift in NASA leadership appointments—both of which affect companies he leads.
Trump acknowledged the disagreement, saying, “Elon’s upset because we took the EV mandate.”
He continued, “They’re having a hard time with the electric vehicles… and they want us to pay billions of dollars in subsidy.”
Also read: Elon Musk criticizes Trump’s Immigration Bill, calling It a “disgusting abomination”
Policy clashes and contract threats
Musk has claimed that Trump’s proposed tariffs could raise consumer prices and slow down the economy.
In a post, Musk warned: “The Trump tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year.”
In return, Trump suggested Musk’s companies could lose federal support.
“The easiest way to save money in our Budget… is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” he wrote.
Musk responded: “Go ahead, make my day…” and added that SpaceX would “begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately.”
That spacecraft currently provides transportation services for NASA missions.
Also read: Elon Musk sparks backlash over repeated use of controversial term on social media
Tensions go beyond policy
The exchange has become increasingly personal.
Musk claimed on X that Trump “is in the Epstein files,” referring to documents from the late Jeffrey Epstein’s legal proceedings.
“That is the real reason they have not been made public,” Musk alleged.
Trump did not respond directly to that claim but wrote on Truth Social, “I don’t mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago.”
Meanwhile, one of Trump's oldest adviser Steve Bannon called Musk “an unstable individual” and a “national security issue.”
In an interview, Bannon added, “I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported from the country immediately.”
Also read: States challenge Trump’s appointment of Elon Musk—implications for DOGE
What does it mean for everyday Americans?
While political disagreements between high-profile figures are not uncommon, Musk’s economic warning stands out.
Many economists agree that tariffs can have mixed effects—sometimes protecting domestic industries in the short term but also raising prices on goods like vehicles and groceries.
For older adults and those on fixed incomes, that could mean tighter budgets if consumer prices rise.
Your take matters
Whether or not Musk’s predictions come true, the situation underscores how closely business, policy, and politics are now connected.
When major players speak out—especially on economic issues—it can have an impact across all levels of society.
Read next: Elon Musk’s next big move in aviation–What it means for the future of air travel
Have you experienced the effects of past economic slowdowns? Do you think these kinds of public disputes shape policy decisions—or just stir up headlines? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Billionaire Elon Musk—known for leading Tesla, SpaceX, and the platform X (formerly Twitter)—recently voiced support for the idea of President Donald Trump being replaced by Vice President J.D. Vance.
At the same time, Musk warned that Trump’s proposed tariff policies could lead to a recession later this year.
Though public disagreements between business and political leaders aren’t new, this one has attracted attention because of its timing, tone, and potential economic impact.
The latest tensions began after political commentator Ian Miles Cheong posted on X, “President vs Elon. Who wins? My money’s on Elon. Trump should be impeached and JD Vance should replace him.”
Musk replied with a single word: “Yes.”
Shortly after, Musk added, “The Trump tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year.”
That prediction, coming from a high-profile business figure, has sparked conversation in both political and financial circles.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk are at the center of a growing public feud, blending politics, business, and economic concerns. Image Source: YouTube / BBC News.
Shifting alliances
Musk and Trump have shared the spotlight before.
After the 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, Musk publicly supported Trump and reportedly donated around $290 million to Republican campaign efforts.
More recently, however, Musk has expressed concern over Republican legislation and government spending.
In one post, he criticized what he referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” writing, “Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill… but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK.”
He added, “In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that [is] both big and beautiful.”
Musk also voiced frustration about the rollback of electric vehicle mandates and a shift in NASA leadership appointments—both of which affect companies he leads.
Trump acknowledged the disagreement, saying, “Elon’s upset because we took the EV mandate.”
He continued, “They’re having a hard time with the electric vehicles… and they want us to pay billions of dollars in subsidy.”
Also read: Elon Musk criticizes Trump’s Immigration Bill, calling It a “disgusting abomination”
Policy clashes and contract threats
Musk has claimed that Trump’s proposed tariffs could raise consumer prices and slow down the economy.
In a post, Musk warned: “The Trump tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year.”
In return, Trump suggested Musk’s companies could lose federal support.
“The easiest way to save money in our Budget… is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” he wrote.
Musk responded: “Go ahead, make my day…” and added that SpaceX would “begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately.”
That spacecraft currently provides transportation services for NASA missions.
Elon Musk's one-word response, "Yes," to a post suggesting President Trump's impeachment and replacement by Vice President JD Vance, marks a significant escalation in their public feud. Image Source: X / @elonmusk.
Also read: Elon Musk sparks backlash over repeated use of controversial term on social media
Tensions go beyond policy
The exchange has become increasingly personal.
Musk claimed on X that Trump “is in the Epstein files,” referring to documents from the late Jeffrey Epstein’s legal proceedings.
“That is the real reason they have not been made public,” Musk alleged.
Trump did not respond directly to that claim but wrote on Truth Social, “I don’t mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago.”
Meanwhile, one of Trump's oldest adviser Steve Bannon called Musk “an unstable individual” and a “national security issue.”
In an interview, Bannon added, “I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported from the country immediately.”
Also read: States challenge Trump’s appointment of Elon Musk—implications for DOGE
What does it mean for everyday Americans?
While political disagreements between high-profile figures are not uncommon, Musk’s economic warning stands out.
Many economists agree that tariffs can have mixed effects—sometimes protecting domestic industries in the short term but also raising prices on goods like vehicles and groceries.
For older adults and those on fixed incomes, that could mean tighter budgets if consumer prices rise.
Your take matters
Whether or not Musk’s predictions come true, the situation underscores how closely business, policy, and politics are now connected.
When major players speak out—especially on economic issues—it can have an impact across all levels of society.
Read next: Elon Musk’s next big move in aviation–What it means for the future of air travel
Have you experienced the effects of past economic slowdowns? Do you think these kinds of public disputes shape policy decisions—or just stir up headlines? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
