Are Trump and Musk on the Rocks? U.S. President Claims, “I Don’t Care, Don’t Need Elon for a Thing”

Thursday witnessed a stunning moment when President Donald Trump dismissed Tesla CEO Elon Musk by stating “I don’t care. Trump expressed his neutral stance toward Elon Musk while showing appreciation for the CEO although he does not require his assistance. The viral video showed Musk’s awkward reaction when Trump complimented his “fantastic” work. Trump showed off his Tesla by admitting that the office staff use the vehicle more than he does.

Whispers of tension have swirled lately. The Reuters news agency revealed that Musk requested Trump to remove tariffs but Trump refused during a U.S. market breakdown which became their most intense disagreement to date. Trump imposed a 10% basic tariff on all U.S. imports followed by higher rates for multiple nations before temporarily halting them (except China) for ninety days. Musk advocated for no U.S.-EU tariffs through a video appearance at the Italy League Party congress after criticizing the policy over the weekend.

Tesla’s feeling the heat. The current quarter experienced a major sales decline because of opposition to Musk's work as the "Department of Government Efficiency" head. Tesla stock finished Monday at $233.29 while experiencing a 42% decline from the beginning of the year and Musk described the tariff impact as substantial. The economic experts predict that these tariffs will increase inflation rates while pushing the country toward recession and forcing households to pay thousands more for their needs which creates difficulties for a president who promised cost reductions.