Washington, D.C., reeled Thursday as Elon Musk and Donald Trump traded barbs in a public spat that lit up social media. The once-chummy allies fell out over Musk’s mockery of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” leaving conservatives stunned and progressives gleefully stirring the pot. It’s a stark reminder that even MAGA’s biggest stars aren’t immune to ego-driven drama.

The fallout, fueled by Musk’s claim that he alone secured Trump’s 2024 victory, exposed tensions that betting markets had predicted before July 2025. Daily Mail reported that Republicans caught off guard, scrambled to pick sides in the billionaire brawl.

Musk’s taunts started early Thursday, targeting Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” with characteristic swagger. Social media erupted, with X users likening Musk to Quentin Tarantino’s vengeful Kill Bill character. The memes were brutal, painting the duo as squabbling teens rather than titans of industry and politics.

Social Media Mocks Billionaire Brawl

Ashley St. Clair, entangled in a custody dispute with Musk, couldn’t resist a jab, asking Trump if he needed “breakup advice.” Her quip, dripping with irony given her legal battles over child support, added fuel to the online fire. No one’s above a good zinger when the stakes are this juicy.

X users piled on, with some joking that Trump might slap Musk on his deportation lists. “At this rate, Musk might receive a one-way ticket to El Salvador,” quipped commentator Michael Tracey. The internet’s savage wit turned a political rift into a cultural roast.

Laura Loomer, a vocal Trump supporter, noted the chaos on Capitol Hill, saying she’d been there all day and “it’s all anyone is talking about.” She added, “It will be interesting to see what Republican lawmakers do now.” The feud’s ripple effects left GOP leaders in a bind, forced to navigate loyalty to Trump versus Musk’s influence.

Republicans Face Loyalty Test

Loomer also revealed the GOP’s internal strife, noting lawmakers were asking if they should side with “President Trump or Elon.” The question underscores Musk’s clout, built through his $290 million investment in Trump’s campaign and his high-profile endorsement after the July 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Yet, Trump’s base remains fiercely loyal, complicating the calculus.

Musk doubled down, boldly claiming sole credit for Trump’s 2024 win. His hubris, while not new, stunned observers who recalled his October 2024 campaign trail appearance alongside Trump in Butler. Boasting may be Musk’s brand, but it’s a risky play when your ally wields the MAGA megaphone.

Trump fired back Thursday afternoon, dismissing Musk’s influence. “I would have won Pennsylvania, I would have won by a lot,” Trump declared, citing Kamala Harris’s failure to pick Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as her running mate. His confidence, while classic Trump, sidestepped Musk’s undeniable campaign contributions.

Trump Threatens Musk’s Bottom Line

Trump escalated further, claiming Musk was “wearing thin” and that he’d asked him to leave. “I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted,” Trump said, painting Musk’s reaction as unhinged. The dig at Musk’s electric vehicle empire was a calculated blow, aimed where it hurts most.

Trump didn’t stop there, threatening to slash Musk’s government subsidies and contracts. “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies,” he said. It’s a bold flex, but targeting Musk’s financial lifeline risks alienating a key conservative influencer.

Trump added a parting shot: “I was always surprised that Biden didn’t do it!” The jab implied Musk’s subsidies were long overdue for the chopping block. Yet, conservatives might wince at such a move, knowing Musk’s innovations have bolstered American industry.

Feud Exposes MAGA Fault Lines

The Musk-Trump clash, while entertaining, reveals deeper tensions within the MAGA movement. Musk’s endorsement and campaign cash were pivotal, yet Trump’s base demands unwavering loyalty to the man, not the money. Republicans now face a loyalty test that could shape the party’s future.

Social media’s role in amplifying the feud underscores its power to shape narratives. From St. Clair’s snark to X’s meme frenzy, the internet turned a policy dispute into a cultural spectacle. Progressives, no doubt, are popping popcorn as conservatives bicker.

Ultimately, this feud proves even MAGA’s giants aren’t above petty squabbles. Actions have consequences, and Musk’s provocations may cost him more than just Trump’s goodwill. For now, Washington and X wait to see who blinks first in this billionaire showdown.