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Updated 7 June 2025 at 21:42 IST

Musk's Empire Faces Uncertainty Amid Feud with US President Donald Trump

It would take relatively little for Trump to bring the weight of regulatory burden to bear on Musk's enterprise.

Reported by: Sagar Kar
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Elon Musk and Donald Trump
Elon Musk and Donald Trump | Image: AP

The public rift between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has intensified, raising concerns over the stability of Musk's business ventures, including Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink. Analysts warn that the fallout could jeopardize federal contracts, investor confidence, and regulatory approvals critical to Musk's enterprises.

Federal Contracts and Subsidies Under Threat

President Trump has suggested terminating federal subsidies and contracts with Musk's companies, stating on Truth Social that the "easiest way to save money" would be to end Musk’s government subsidies and contracts. Such actions could impact over $48 billion in government contracts, including $34 billion for SpaceX and $14 billion for Starlink services. 

Tesla could also face significant losses if the administration revokes electric vehicle tax credits, potentially costing the company $1.2 billion annually.

Investor Confidence Wavers

The feud has already affected investor sentiment. Tesla's stock experienced a sharp decline, with a 14% drop following the public exchange between Musk and Trump. 

Musk's personal net worth also suffered, with a reported $34 billion decrease, marking one of his most significant wealth losses.

Regulatory Approvals in Jeopardy

Musk's ventures heavily rely on federal regulatory approvals. Neuralink, his brain-implant company, requires clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to bring its products to market. While some approvals have been granted, the ongoing feud could complicate future regulatory processes.

Public Opinion and Political Ramifications

A recent YouGov poll indicates that public opinion may not be in Musk's favor. When asked about terminating Musk's federal deals, 41% supported the move, while only 21% opposed it. Additionally, when choosing sides in the Musk-Trump dispute, 52% of Americans selected "neither," with Trump receiving 28% support and Musk only 8%. 

The feud also has political implications. Musk has hinted at forming a new political party, "The America Party," aiming to represent the "eighty percent in the middle." Such a move could disrupt traditional political alignments and further strain relationships with current political leaders.

As the conflict between Elon Musk and President Trump escalates, the potential consequences for Musk's business empire are significant. With federal contracts, investor confidence, and regulatory approvals hanging in the balance, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the future trajectory of Musk's ventures.

Published 7 June 2025 at 18:55 IST