Trump-Musk row explodes as billionaire claims President named in Epstein files | BBC News

The political partnership between Donald Trump and Elon Musk erupted into a bitter war over budget legislation. Trump expressed surprise and disappointment over Musk’s criticism of his flagship spending bill, noting they had once had a strong relationship but were now at odds. On X, Musk fired back, calling Trump’s support for the budget ‘false’, accusing him of being ungrateful for financial backing that helped elect him, and warning that Trump’s tariff policy would trigger a recession. Musk further alleged—without evidence—that Trump appears in Jeffrey Epstein’s files, suggesting that is why they remain unpublicized. Trump responded by suggesting cutting billions in government contracts and subsidies to Musk’s companies, while Musk demanded Trump’s impeachment.