Recent comments from former President Donald Trump appeared to send Tesla's stock price tumbling. Trump stated that Elon Musk is upset because the EV mandate was removed from a new bill, a provision that would have greatly benefited Musk's company. This incident adds fuel to an already escalating battle between the two prominent figures.
Previously, Elon Musk had posted on X (formerly Twitter) suggesting that without him, Trump would have lost the election and Republicans would not control the Senate, calling the lack of acknowledgment "such ingratitude." Musk also used his platform to heavily criticize government spending bills, labeling one a "massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill" and a "disgusting abomination," urging his followers to "KILL THE BILL." These posts garnered tens of millions of views. Furthermore, reports indicate Musk unfollowed conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Following Trump's remarks, Tesla's stock dropped by nearly 10%. In a video clip, Trump confirms Musk's displeasure over the removal of the EV mandate, which represented substantial financial support for electric vehicles. Trump also mentioned that Musk had wanted to recommend an acquaintance, a Democrat, to head NASA, a move Trump deemed inappropriate, while emphasizing that he had helped Musk considerably. Some observers describe this as a clash of "egomaniacal attention whores," noting Musk's apparent addiction to the spotlight and his pursuit of political power. It's also highlighted that over 40 investigations into Musk's companies were reportedly paused or slowed down after Trump took office.
