Trump, Musk friendship unravels after bitter spat

The rift between Donald Trump and Elon Musk widened on Thursday, with two of the world's most influential figures trading insults over the Republican tax policy bill at the center of the president's agenda.

- Agencies

WASHINGTON:

Trump told reporters that he was "disappointed" by the Tesla Inc. chief executive officer, saying the bill's cuts to electric-vehicle tax credits drove his billionaire former adviser's opposition.

In a remarkable scene, Musk responded in real-time, posting rebuttals on social media as the president spoke.

"Such ingratitude," Musk posted, citing his financial support for Republicans during the 2024 election. "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate."

He was the biggest donor to Trump's campaign, to the tune of nearly $300 million.

Tesla shares fall Tesla shares fell as much as 6% to touch a session low as Musk and Trump traded barbs.