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The tumultuous relationship between Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump underscores deep political rifts within the realm of clean energy politics. The two influential billionaires have had public disagreements over multiple issues, and their differing stances on climate change and renewable energy continue to be a significant source of contention.

Musk, the CEO of Tesla, previously served on several White House councils during Trump's first term but departed after Trump initiated the US withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement. Musk tweeted at the time, "Am departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world."

Despite this, Musk later showed support for Trump's second-term presidential campaign both financially and publicly. He was appointed head of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he oversaw substantial layoffs of federal workers. This initially seemed to align their shared goals, with Trump even acquiring a Tesla and promoting the brand from the White House.

However, friction arose once again as Musk recently voiced opposition to a House Republicans' budget bill endorsed by Trump. The bill proposes to cut tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs) and imposes a $250 fee on EV owners to fund the Highway Trust Fund, which depends on gasoline taxes for road maintenance. Musk's primary concern with the bill lies in its impact on the federal deficit, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates would grow by $2.4 trillion over a decade.

Adding to the tension, Tesla has historically generated a substantial portion of its profits from selling compliance credits, particularly in states adhering to California's vehicle emissions standards. The Trump administration has targeted these programs through executive orders, reflecting broader political divides over clean technology.

Public perception of Tesla has mirrored the Musk-Trump relationship. Once seen as an emblem of climate consciousness, Tesla's electric vehicles are now sometimes criticized as symbols aligned with authoritarianism. Recent polling by the Pew Research Center highlights that Republicans increasingly hold unfavorable views on clean technology, with nuclear energy being a notable exception.

In contrast, support among Republicans for fossil fuel extraction—offshore drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and coal mining—remains strong compared to Democrats. Despite increasing EV adoption, a partisan divide persists, with Democrats more inclined than Republicans to consider an EV for their next vehicle. Interestingly, while overall EV sales rise, Tesla's sales have dipped in the US, with hybrid cars generally seeing more popularity nationwide.

The political schism is further evident in the stance on gasoline-powered vehicles, as California and 11 other states plan to halt new sales of such cars by 2035. This measure faces significant opposition, particularly among Republicans, 85 percent of whom disapprove, compared to 45 percent of Democrats.

Ultimately, the ongoing feud between Musk and Trump has highlighted the entrenched political divide surrounding clean energy technologies. Despite fluctuating political climates and policies, the rapid advancements in wind, solar, EVs, and grid batteries suggest a momentum that is unlikely to be entirely halted.