Trump Accuses Musk of ‘Turning Against America’ Amid Talk of Democrat Support

In one of his harshest public rebukes to date, former President Donald Trump has accused Elon Musk of “turning against America” amid growing speculation that the billionaire may fund Democratic candidates in the 2025 midterm elections. The incendiary remarks were delivered at a rally in Iowa, where Trump said Musk’s recent political moves signal a betrayal of “every value that made him successful.”

“Without me, he wouldn’t be where he is today,” Trump declared to a crowd of supporters. “And now he wants to go fund the people who want to shut down his factories, regulate his rockets, and take away his freedom. If that’s not turning against America, what is?”

The political world has watched the Trump–Musk relationship unravel in real time. Once political allies—Trump touted Musk’s companies as symbols of American greatness during his presidency—the two men are now on opposite trajectories. Musk has criticized Trump’s policies on climate, technology, and immigration, while Trump has responded with escalating rhetoric suggesting Musk is part of an emerging “tech elite conspiracy” to undermine the conservative movement.

At the heart of the fallout is Musk’s shifting political posture. Though he supported Republican causes in 2024 and previously praised Trump’s deregulation agenda, he has recently emphasized his independence. “Neither party represents the future,” Musk tweeted last week. “We need pragmatism, innovation, and truth—not ideology.”

Those remarks have reportedly angered senior GOP leaders, who feel that Musk’s criticism undermines Republican momentum heading into a critical election year. Trump, never one to hold back, has taken things even further by suggesting that Musk’s companies—Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink—could face federal scrutiny if he continues down this path.

“It’s not a threat—it’s a fact,” Trump said. “If you support people trying to destroy American industry and values, then don’t expect handouts from the American taxpayer.”

The rhetoric has sparked alarm among political observers. Some view it as a warning to other wealthy donors: loyalty to Trump is non-negotiable. Others see it as a sign that Trump views Musk as a direct political rival. “Elon represents the kind of influence Trump doesn’t control,” said political analyst Brian Timmons. “And that’s something Trump can’t stand.”

Musk, for his part, has mostly avoided direct responses. But in an interview with The Verge, he said he refuses to “play into political blackmail.” He added, “If supporting a candidate who wants clean energy, balanced budgets, and free speech makes me the enemy of Trump, then maybe that tells us something about Trump—not me.”

The fallout is already being felt in Washington, where lawmakers are choosing sides. Senator J.D. Vance, a Trump loyalist, said Musk’s recent behavior was “alarming” and accused him of “trying to buy both sides.” Meanwhile, Senators like Rand Paul and Lisa Murkowski urged a “more open approach” to donors who don’t follow party lines.

Industry leaders are watching closely too. Tesla’s stock dropped 3% following Trump’s comments, and questions are swirling about whether defense contracts tied to SpaceX could come under review if Trump regains power. “This feud could impact real dollars and real jobs,” said tech policy expert Amanda Yeung.

For now, both men are doubling down. Trump is using the feud to rally his base against the “Silicon Valley elite,” while Musk is increasingly aligning himself with a new political center built around innovation and pragmatism.

Whether the divide becomes permanent or resolves before the 2026 presidential race, one thing is clear: the Trump–Musk split is no longer a side story. It’s a central conflict shaping the future of American politics.