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