Feud Between Trump and Musk Sends Tesla Shares Plummeting
ICARO Media Group
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The once amicable relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk abruptly soured, resulting in severe financial repercussions for Tesla. Wall Street traders responded swiftly, causing Tesla shares to drop by over 14%, obliterating $152 billion in market value.
The conflict began when Trump criticized Musk’s disapproval of the Republican tax-cut and spending bill. The spat quickly escalated into a public feud across social media platforms Trump’s Truth Social and Musk’s X. This unprecedented clash saw prominent figures like businessman Bill Ackman urging both men to reconcile for the nation’s benefit. Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, pointed out that the country is "much stronger together than apart." Musk acknowledged Ackman’s sentiment, agreeing with him on X.
Republican Congressman Jim Jordan also called for reconciliation between Trump and Musk, defending the budget bill in the process. However, other Trump associates, including former senior adviser Steve Bannon, showed no sign of conciliation. Bannon suggested an executive order to seize control of SpaceX, invoking the Defense Production Act to suspend all federal contracts with Musk’s companies, and calling for an investigation concerning Musk’s security clearance.
The ramifications of the feud have left investors and analysts concerned. Wedbush’s Dan Ives described the situation as "jaw-dropping and a shock to the market," emphasizing the fear it instilled among Tesla investors. Despite the unsettling developments, Ives maintained that his firm still held a bullish view on Tesla but noted the troubling outlook for regulatory conditions moving forward.
Other financial experts, like Ross Gerber of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management, and Gary Black of Future Fund, provided critical perspectives. They argued that the feud between Musk and Trump could lead to further pressure on Tesla stocks, undermining the benefits of the previously perceived alliance between the two.
Beyond the financial turmoil, David Rosenberg of Rosenberg Research highlighted the strategic implications of Musk’s SpaceX in U.S. space technology. Rosenberg warned that the ongoing skirmish could jeopardize crucial advancements. The political undercurrents of Musk’s opposition to the spending bill also seem to be influencing some Republican lawmakers' positions.
In the end, the fallout from the Trump-Musk dispute showcases the intricate ties between politics, business, and market stability, leaving both supporters and critics contemplating the broader implications of such high-profile conflicts.