Trump, musk ⁣Feud Spotlights ⁢Political Divide on Climate Change, EVs

⁣ Updated⁢ June 07, 2025
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The ongoing tension between⁤ Elon Musk⁤ and former President Donald Trump highlights a growing ​political chasm regarding climate change and clean energy. The billionaire CEOs, once seemingly aligned, have‌ clashed over various​ issues, ⁢most recently the budget ‍bill passed by⁢ House Republicans.

Musk, who leads electric⁢ car company‌ Tesla, initially ‍participated in White House ⁤councils during Trump’s⁤ presidency. However, he departed after Trump initiated the withdrawal​ of⁤ the U.S.from ⁤the Paris climate agreement. Despite this, Musk later supported Trump’s reelection campaign.

The recent budget bill, backed by Trump, has further​ strained their relationship. The bill‍ rolls back tax credits for electric vehicles and‌ imposes a $250 fee on owners to support the Highway Trust‍ Fund. While Musk stated he is not ​concerned ​about the EV tax credits,‍ he criticized the bill’s potential to increase the deficit.

Tesla ⁣has ‍profited significantly from selling⁤ compliance credits to ‍other automakers in states with California’s⁤ vehicle emission rules.​ The ​Trump administration previously⁣ targeted these programs.

The perception of ‍Tesla’s electric cars ‌has also⁤ shifted, once seen as symbols of climate change ⁢awareness, they⁤ are now sometimes⁤ viewed as politically charged‌ endorsements.

A recent Pew ⁤Research Center