We all knew the day was coming. We all knew that Elon Musk and Donald Trump were in a relationship that was doomed to fail. We just didn’t know how — but now we at least know when.
On the evening of May 28, Musk took to his platform X to announce, in a post that was plain in tone and lacking in character, that his “time as a Special Government Employee” has ended. From Trump’s second inauguration, the tech titan had been inseparable from the president. Nicknames such as “first buddy,” “co-president,” and even that one press conference where Musk appeared with his son on his shoulders were all born from that very bizarre era in American history. But in a little over four months (yes, it’s really only been that short), the story is finally over.
When Musk joined the Trump campaign, he did so bearing nearly $300 million in campaign donations. And considering the quid pro quo that ruled the Trump orbit, it was all but certain that Musk would get something in return. Then came DOGE — the silver bullet that promised to reduce the government deficit by cutting expenditure. As of this moment, that scorecard is still being drawn up, but they didn’t get anywhere near the $2 trillion that was planned.
Musk entered government hot, with an unprecedented level of access. He dismantled government agencies like USAID, terminated contracts — all in search of a greater good, he claimed. Saving the country some money was supposedly going to free up the government’s need for deficits. But there were always signs that things weren’t as good as they were so poorly hidden.
In typical dark comedic fashion, what truly tipped people off that Trump doesn’t actually like the Tesla CEO was his jab at him over Ozempic — where he all but named Elon as someone on whom “the fat shot” wasn’t particularly working. At that point, speculation began to swirl about a possible rift between the two. And seemingly, they were right.
The final straw, however, seems to have been Musk’s criticism of “the big beautiful bill.” That moment made it clear he could no longer work with the Trump administration. According to Musk, that bill would retroactively nullify all the progress he had made with DOGE. That rightfully started another online conversation about what truly happened with Elon. Did he resign? Did he always plan on serving such a short term? Or was he fired?
One user speculated, “He got fired.” Another ruthlessly asked whether Elon could leave X next. And another simply joked that Elon broke up with Trump.
He got fired…..
— Kella Bella (@Kella2010) May 29, 2025
can he announce his departure from X next
— eri˚❀*·ꕤ. (@eternalcumslimz) May 29, 2025
aka they broke up and he’s pissed
— ໊ (@buffys) May 29, 2025
Elon will no doubt keep talking about the government. And considering he has crossed the political aisle once before, it’s not unimaginable that he would do it again. Whatever’s good for business will be his next move. As for Trump, it’s probably going to be open season on Elon. The upcoming press conference from Trump is already shaping up to be one of the most volatile in his political career.
