Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 6: Renowned foreign policy expert Robinder Sachdev on Friday weighed in on the sudden public clash between US President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, calling it “expected but surprisingly early.” He warned that the escalating feud between these two influential figures could create a complex and volatile political and economic environment in the US, with far-reaching consequences.
Their alliance had played a pivotal role in energising the Republican Party and securing Trump’s dominant win in the 2024 election, helping both men push their ambitions to reshape American politics.
Sachdev said, “This confrontation was inevitable. Experts have long noted that two powerful personalities like Trump and Musk could not coexist without conflict two swords cannot be sheathed in the same scabbard. While many expected a showdown, the rapidity with which it unfolded is surprising.”
Sachdev highlighted the potential fallout: “Trump, as the sitting President and a key Republican leader, wields immense influence and can raise issues impacting Musk’s business interests. Conversely, Musk’s vast wealth gives him power to back pro- or anti-Trump candidates, influencing political outcomes. This will create a messy environment that could reshape US political dynamics.”
Commenting on Trump’s allegation that Musk had prior knowledge of electric vehicle (EV) mandates in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” yet now criticises it for political reasons, Sachdev explained, “There are two issues here. First, Tesla’s position in the EV market. Trump historically supports oil and gas, opposing EV subsidies, unlike Biden who incentivised the sector. Trump’s bill removes EV subsidies, which would hurt Tesla financially, explaining Musk’s criticism. Tesla’s share price has already felt the impact.”
Sachdev also noted Musk’s government ties, especially via SpaceX’s NASA contracts, cautioning that while current contracts may not be immediately affected, broader relations between Musk’s companies and the federal government could become strained.
The public fallout erupted within 24 hours, rapidly turning from policy disagreements into personal attacks. Musk criticised Trump’s bill, prompting Trump to threaten to withdraw subsidies benefiting Musk’s businesses. Musk retaliated by calling for Trump’s impeachment and mocking Trump’s past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“This dramatic rupture marks a sharp deterioration of their previously strategic alliance,” Sachdev said. “What began as a policy debate has evolved into a personal feud with major implications not only for Musk’s business empire and Trump’s political future but also for the overall governance, economy, and discourse in America.”
The expert concluded that the coming months would reveal how this bitter rivalry shapes the US political and economic landscape.