Trump-Musk: The love affair is over...

1. 68

   IslandBitesposted 5 days ago

   Many said their affair was destined to fail. Some said Musk wanted power and Trump wanted money and a scape goat. Were they right?
   
   When ratings got worse, DOGE was thrown from the spotlight. Then...
   
   (March 2025)
   Elon Musk said on Tuesday that he doesn’t like high or unpredictable tariffs.
   
   He recently called Peter Navarro, Trump’s top trade adviser, a “moron” and “dumber than a sack of bricks.” any decision on what happens with them “is entirely up to the president of the United States.”
   
   Musk said he offers his advice to the president on tariffs.
   
   “He will listen to my advice. But then it’s up to him, of course, to make his decision,” Musk said. “I’ve been on the record many times saying that I believe lower tariffs are generally a good idea.”
   
   He added that he’s an advocate for “predictable tariff structures,” as well as “free trade and lower tariffs.”
   
   (May 20 2025)
   
   Elon Musk says he'll scale back political spending: "I think I've done enough"
   
   Elon Musk said Tuesday that he plans to significantly scale back his political spending, adding that he does "not currently see a reason" to invest his money in politics.
   
   Musk said on a call last month to discuss the company's earnings that he planned to scale back his time spent on DOGE. Musk has not been physically present at the White House as frequently since the end of April.
   
   (May 27 2025)
   
   Elon Musk says he's "disappointed" by Trump's "big, beautiful bill" and what it means for DOGE
   
   Elon Musk says he is "disappointed" by the price tag of the domestic policy bill passed by Republicans in the House last week and heavily backed by President Trump. The billionaire who recently stepped back from running the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, made the remark during an exclusive broadcast interview with "CBS Sunday Morning." 
   
   "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.
   
   "And you know, it's not like I agree with everything the administration does," said Musk. "So it's like, I mean, I agree with much of what the administration does. But we have differences of opinion. You know, there are things that I don't entirely agree with. But it's difficult for me to bring that up in an interview because then it creates a bone of contention. So then, I'm a little stuck in a bind, where I'm like, well, I don't wanna, you know, speak up against the administration, but I also don't wanna take responsibility for everything this administration's doing."
   
   On Tuesday, right after our interview, CBS News released a clip of it to promote this very report. It was that part, where Musk criticizes Trump's spending bill, and his remarks became news. It went all the way to the White House, where the president was asked about Musk's criticism of the bill. Within 24 hours, Musk announced that his time in the Trump administration was officially over. Out of DOGE, out of government. Until that moment, he'd been saying that he still intended to work on DOGE part-time.
   
   Still, on Friday, they held a media event at the White House to confirm their mutual admiration—and to leave the door open for future collaboration. "Elon's really not leaving," Mr. Trump said. "He's gonna be back and forth, I think, I have a feeling."
   
   That same day, May 30, in a classic Trump 101 move...
   
   On the Campaign Trail, Elon Musk Juggled Drugs and Family Drama
   
   Mr. Musk’s drug consumption went well beyond occasional use. He told people he was taking so much ketamine, a powerful anesthetic, that it was affecting his bladder, a known effect of chronic use. He took Ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms. And he traveled with a daily medication box that held about 20 pills, including ones with the markings of the stimulant Adderall, according to a photo of the box and people who have seen it.
   
   So, today
   
   ‘Disgusting abomination’: Musk goes nuclear on Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’
   
   “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong,” he wrote.
   
   Elon Musk came out swinging against President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” on Tuesday, slamming the reconciliation package as a “disgusting abomination” in a massive break from the president just days after stepping away from his role in the administration.
   
   “I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore,” Musk wrote on his social media platform X. “This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.”
   
   The harsh rebuke of legislation pushed by Trump — who said in May that the bill was “arguably the most significant piece of Legislation that will ever be signed in the History of our Country” — marks the most severe split between the Trump ally and the president.
   
   White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt brushed off Musk’s criticism, which he posted as she was at the briefing room podium. “The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill,” she said. “It doesn’t change the president’s opinion.”

   replyreport
2. 68

   IslandBitesposted 5 days ago

   
   
   What's next?

   replyreport
   1. 82

      Credence2posted 5 days agoin reply to this

      Island Bytes, I made this comment on the Elon Musk thread, looks like that is enough popcorn for the both of us…..
      
      ———-
      So, I guess that you can’t teach an old DOGE new tricks.
      
      https://www.independent.co.uk/news/worl … 61584.html
      
      I told certain conservatives months ago, that anyone that hitches his or her star to Donald
      Trump is no better than he is. They would have to be inherently corrupt to the core or not too terribly bright.
      
      Musk trailed after Trump like a sick puppy DOGE only to have his chain yanked, Trump has no friends, just those that he can use and abuse for his expedience purposes.
      
      Trump has made Musk the “fall guy”, having him receive the crème pie over angst over his ill considered draconian cuts to the federal government. He was risking his business prospects and his reputation as “America’s space cadet” in his occupy Mars movement. Tesla was held to an inexperienced scorn by many as a result of Musk’s government role.
      
      Musk complains that Trumps Big Beautiful Bill adds to the deficit, that he risked his name and capital to rein it in for Trump. Musk was not smart enough to realize that Trump was not about effectively controlling spending more than simply moving the same or more funding to Republican sacred cows.
      
      On a recent CBS interview, Musk was evasive about his role in the DOGE, not mentioning that  he and Trump has had a falling out, regardless of Trump’s lies that he is still welcome.
      
      We on the left continue to chip at the Trump interface, discrediting him at every opportunity as an entity that is simply “no good” and beyond redemption. Musk got burned, how many others will come to the painful conclusion that he did?
      
      As for Elon Musk, he gets what he deserves. Any man in his position dancing around with a chainsaw making fun of the distress of millions of people, I have no sympathy for.
      
      It is as a wiser man, Bill Gates says:
      
      The world’s richest man is determined to kill the world’s poorest children…..
      
      And as I always said, in America, the richest man is not necessarily the smartest.

      replyreport
      1. 68

         IslandBitesposted 4 days agoin reply to this

         100%!

         replyreport
3. 68

   IslandBitesposted 4 days ago

   Elon Musk last night.
   
   Mammoth spending bills are bankrupting America!
   
   ENOUGH
   
   Today,
   
   This immense level of overspending will drive America into debt slavery!
   
   Interest payments already consume 25% of all government revenue.
   
   If the massive deficit spending continues, there will only be money for interest payments and nothing else! No social security, no medical, no defense … nothing.

   replyreport
   1. 70

      Ken Burgessposted 25 hours agoin reply to this

      Pretty much... that's a given.

      replyreport
4. 68

   IslandBitesposted 3 days ago

   Two days ago:
   
   Asked whether President Trump was upset about Musk’s comments, Leavitt calmly replied, “The President already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill. It doesn’t change the president’s opinion. This is one, big, beautiful bill and he’s sticking to it.”
   
   
   Today:
   
   “I’ve always liked Elon. And so I was very surprised. You saw the words he had for me, and he hasn’t said anything about me that’s bad. I’d rather have him criticize me than the bill. Because the bill is incredible,” Trump said during an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
   
   “Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will any more,” Trump added.
   
   Trump said Musk, the CEO of Tesla and a close adviser, was upset about the repeal of an electric vehicle tax credit. Trump argued Musk was aware of the policy “from the beginning.”
   
   “He knew every aspect of this bill. He knew it better than almost anybody. And he never had a problem until right after he left,” Trump said. “I’m very disappointed in Elon. I’ve helped Elon a lot.”

   replyreport
   1. 83

      GA Andersonposted 3 days agoin reply to this

      Saying Musk is upset with the EV credit loss sounds like fake news. Musk spoke to this before the bill hit the floor: he was okay with the anticipated cut. It's still a level playing field. (Has that changed?)
      
      GA

      replyreport
      1. 59

         Willowarborposted 3 days agoin reply to this

         "Saying Musk is upset with the EV credit loss sounds like fake news. "
         
         Trump is the one who said it .

         replyreport
         1. 83

            GA Andersonposted 3 days agoin reply to this

            Yep.
            
            GA

            replyreport
      2. 70

         Ken Burgessposted 25 hours agoin reply to this

         Good catch, I thought the same, I smelt BS...
         
         I know Musk criticized those rebates when they came out...
         
         This is how I read it... things are that F'd up... the train is off the tracks and even a couple billionaires with access to the most intelligent people on earth at their disposal and AI Super Computers... not only can't fix it...
         
         They can't even slow it the F down....
         
         Hence, one Big Beautiful Bill that should be able to keep the mirage of normal alive for most Americans to get us down the road a couple more years...

         replyreport
   2. 70

      Ken Burgessposted 25 hours agoin reply to this

      Classic Trump... Classic Media coverage...
      
      Remove the name Elon from those sentences above and put in someone else like Steve Bannon and its the same... in that sense, Trump is showing a well worn pattern now... with two separate Administrations to look at, and how Trump dealt with using, sidelining, and if necessary character assassinating and demeaning the person if they oppose him publicly.

      replyreport
5. 68

   IslandBitesposted 3 days ago

   “Whatever. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill,” Musk posted.
   
   “In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that [is] both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this!” he continued. “Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill. Slim and beautiful is the way.”
   
   
   “In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people,” Musk wrote in a separate post, while sharing another that highlighted criticisms of Republican lawmakers.

   replyreport
   1. 79

      Kyler J Falkposted 3 days agoin reply to this

      “In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that [is] both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this!” he continued. “Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill. Slim and beautiful is the way.”
      
      This man's performative social commentary always has me rolling. Boy's got layers to these semi-jokes lmao!

      replyreport
6. 68

   IslandBitesposted 3 days ago

   Elon Musk called out President Trump directly in a series of X posts after the president criticized the billionaire in the Oval Office on Thursday.
   
   “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate,” he wrote, in reply to another user’s post.
   
   “Such ingratitude,” he added.
   
   Musk also commented on an X post showing old social media posts from Trump railing against efforts to raise the debt ceiling.
   
   “Where is this guy today??” Musk wrote.
   
   

   replyreport
7. 68

   IslandBitesposted 3 days ago

   Musk called Trump a liar. Trump said Musk suffers from TDS.
   
   
   This is almost comical... If it wasnt a repeat.

   replyreport
8. 68

   IslandBitesposted 3 days ago

   Btw,
   
   
   

   replyreport
9. 68

   IslandBitesposted 3 days ago

   
   
   
   
   
   *Popcorn is ready.

   replyreport
   1. 59

      Willowarborposted 3 days agoin reply to this

      Not Elon calling Trump a liar?!  I'm guessing that Elon is going to spill the tea very shortly.  This is going to be good.  How quickly will magas start trash talking Elon?

      replyreport
      1. 68

         IslandBitesposted 3 days agoin reply to this

         It only shows how disgusting are both of them.
         
         
         Still enjoying the public catfight, though.

         replyreport
10. 59

    Willowarborposted 3 days ago

    And here it is folks...
    
    
    I'M DYING
    
    LOL  and we all know just how important the Epstein files are to the base.    This will provide quite a conundrum to Bondi.
    
    We've got ourselves a bona fide shit show

    replyreport
11. 59

    Willowarborposted 3 days ago

    IMPEACHMENT
    
    

    replyreport
    1. 68

       IslandBitesposted 3 days agoin reply to this

       Waiting for the MAGA bros... Elon or Trump, so hard for them.

       replyreport
12. 85

    Sharlee01posted 3 days ago

    Big battle today between Trump and Musk… yikes. No hiding anything here, it’s all out in the open. Honestly, it’s kind of refreshing. Not quite as refreshing as finally seeing the truth about how many Democrats hid the fact that we had a cognitively declining man in the White House—but still, this is fun to watch. No need to wait for some scathing tell-all book full of sorrowful regrets, as with the Biden saga. These two are going at it for everyone to see—wheeee! 
    
    This is great feed for many on social media, who were on the verge of starvation for scraps.

    replyreport
    1. 79

       Kyler J Falkposted 2 days agoin reply to this

       I'm not convinced that Musk and Trump aren't mutually agreed upon with this public spate. As if it was planned.
       
       I've noticed that a lot of off-color comments made by politicians and businessmen that are not statesman-like, or otherwise uncharacteristic of men in their position, are followed by stock market upsets and bearish actions taken by investors. I'm finding myself favoring the newest conspiracy that they act like children on the world stage to specifically manipulate markets, like we saw with the major money movement during this public spectacle.
       
       They've been doing it more often, and money has been moving in and out swiftly. Been tracking it via QuiverQuantitive, CEOwatchlist, etc. and it seems to have more merit than it doesn't.
       
       Also, both Trump and Musk were adamant about releasing the files this entire time. With Musk's insistence that Trump is on the list, every side now has a reason to outright, fervently, and rightfully demand the files be released to the public. Trump and Musk would both get what they want from this performative display, no downsides really, so I'm comfortable with the conspiracy this is strictly planned.

       replyreport
       1. 59

          Willowarborposted 2 days agoin reply to this

          And if Bondi refuses to release the files?

          replyreport
          1. 79

             Kyler J Falkposted 2 days agoin reply to this

             Their goal of wealth redistribution in the market was already achieved, releasing the files was never the goal to begin with, but I'm sure we'll see some new soapbox erected and forgotten in no more than a few days time of the refusal/release.
             
             Epstein and his list were public knowledge and criticized for decades long before his official arrest, "suicide," and release of the redacted files. No one meaningful cared then, in fact many of them partook of the island and services offered by Epstein and his organization, and they'll sooner stop caring than invest in it now that their figureheads are dead or in prison.
             
             Absolute nothingburger no matter the outcome for anyone outside of the bearish investors they did this for.

             replyreport
13. 59

    Willowarborposted 3 days ago

    Steve Bannon is calling for the deportation of Elon Musk...

    replyreport
14. 59

    Willowarborposted 3 days ago

    Sorry guys but I'm thinking men are way too emotional to have these positions of power.
    
    Question though...should Bondi release the unredacted Epstein files?  Musk has made quite an accusation and I think we deserve to know the truth...

    replyreport
    1. 85

       Sharlee01posted 3 days agoin reply to this

       I am with ya on that one... I would think the Dems would have used it as a last-day bomb before the 2024 elections. But ya I want to see that info too.

       replyreport
15. 68

    IslandBitesposted 3 days ago

    BANNON: President Trump should act immediately. If Elon’s threatening to pull a major program from SpaceX, Trump should sign an executive order tonight under the Defense Production Act. SpaceX should be seized by the U.S. government before midnight.

    replyreport
    1. 70

       Ken Burgessposted 24 hours agoin reply to this

       Well, if something like that happens dominoes start falling quick...
       
       Trump distanced himself from Bannon long ago, its not his nature...
       
       Trump will threaten, seizure, funding... leverage, manipulation...

       replyreport
16. 68

    IslandBitesposted 2 days ago

    “I’m not even thinking about Elon. He’s got a problem. The poor guy’s got a problem,” Trump said in a brief phone call.
    
    Like I said, Trump 101. Elon knew, that's why.

    replyreport
    1. 59

       Willowarborposted 2 days agoin reply to this

       Waiting for Trump to tell us that he doesn't really even know who Elon is...

       replyreport
17. 85

    Sharlee01posted 2 days ago

    Donald Trump's Approval Rating Changes Direction With Women
    Published Jun 05, 2025 at 9:34 AM EDT
    
    Donald Trump's approval rating is increasing with women, according to new polling.
    
    Why It Matters
    Women have historically leaned toward the Democrats. While this is still true, polls show that Trump's approval rating is creeping up among women.
    
    If the trend continues, it could strengthen Trump's mandate, bolster Republican efforts in Congress and reshape debates around key issues such as the economy, education and reproductive rights.
    
    What To Know
    According to the latest YouGov/Economist survey, conducted between May 30-June 2 among 1,610 adults, 38 percent of women approve of the way Trump is handling his job as President, and 54 percent disapprove.
    
    That is up from roughly a month ago, when a YouGov/Economist survey from early May put his job approval rating among women at 36 percent, with 58 percent disapproving.
    
    However, despite the small increase, Trump's job approval among women is still lower than it was at the end of March, when a YouGov/Economist survey put it at 41 percent, with 53 percent disapproving. All three polls had a margin of error of between +/- 3.2 and 3.4 percentage points.
    
    The latest ActiVote poll, conducted between May 1 and May 31 among 488 adults, also shows an increase in support among women, 38 percent saying they approve of his job performance, up from 35 percent the month before.
    
    However, disapproval remains the same at 56 percent, and this month's result was still below that of ActiVote's survey conducted in March, which put Trump's approval rating among women at 41 percent, 55 percent disapproving.
    
    Carrie Baker, a professor of women, gender and sexuality studies at Smith College, Massachusetts, told Newsweek that the recent shift in polling support for Trump among women is statistically insignificant and emphasized that his approval remains "very low among women." While it is also low among men, Baker said "there is a gender gap" and attributed Trump's unpopularity to policy positions that directly impact women's lives.
    
    Nonetheless, the polls reflect the general trend recently, which has shown Trump's national approval ratings ticking up marginally. If interested read on   https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-a … en-2081291
    
    
    Topline
    President Donald Trump’s net approval rating has increased nine points since it reached a low point in April in the latest Economist/YouGov survey—as his poll numbers are slightly above his average approval rating during his first term but below those of almost all other modern presidents.  https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2 … test-poll/
    
    ( This seems odd to me with all the craziness that is now surrounding "Trump World".)

    replyreport