This time, Trump and Musk are really going head-to-head. The focus of their conflict is still the "Big and Beautiful Act."
Once allies who stood side by side, they have now turned into enemies. Trump and Musk have clashed over the "Big and Beautiful Act," and their former cooperation has completely vanished. This sudden confrontation—driven by interests or ideological differences? The clash between these two heavyweights will how it shake up the U.S. political and economic landscape? Let's delve into the origin and impact of this storm.
In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Musk's support for Trump was unwavering. He not only publicly expressed his support but also donated over $250 million to help Trump return to the White House. After Trump won, he appointed Musk as the head of the "Department of Government Efficiency." The two were once seen as a golden team pushing for American reforms. However, this collaboration quickly broke down after the introduction of the "Big and Beautiful Act." The act became the focal point of their conflict and made people start re-evaluating this once close ally.
Musk's initial performance in the Department of Government Efficiency was quite impressive. He pushed for a series of reforms, cut inefficient projects, optimized government spending, and saved several billion dollars in a short period. Trump praised him highly, repeatedly stating that Musk was a key figure in his administration. However, when the "Big and Beautiful Act" emerged, things began to change. The core content of the bill directly conflicted with Musk's ideals and interests, and the differences between the two gradually became public.
The "Big and Beautiful Act" is an important legislation introduced by Trump after taking office. It aims to stimulate economic growth through tax cuts and increased budget allocations for specific areas. The bill mainly includes significant tax cuts for businesses and high-income individuals, increased military and border security spending, while eliminating electric vehicle tax credits and cutting social welfare programs such as medical assistance. Trump believes this is a crucial measure to realize "Make America Great Again," which can boost employment and economic prosperity. However, this policy has sparked strong opposition from Musk.
Musk's reasons for opposing the bill mainly include several aspects. First, he believes that the tax-cut policy is too biased toward the rich, and the tax burden on ordinary people may actually increase, which contradicts his consistent emphasis on social equity. Second, the elimination of electric vehicle tax credits directly threatens Tesla's market competitiveness. This preferential policy once helped Tesla models be more attractive in price. Third, the bill is expected to significantly increase the fiscal deficit, which runs counter to Musk's efforts to cut expenses while serving in the Department of Government Efficiency. In addition, he is disappointed with Trump's firm stance on the bill and believes that he has ignored reasonable opposing opinions.
Trump firmly defends the bill. He believes that tax cuts and increased military spending can quickly boost the economy and fulfill his campaign promises to supporters. Regarding Musk's criticism, Trump takes a hard line, believing that Musk's position is merely out of personal interest and lacks consideration for the overall development of the country. Their dispute has evolved from policy differences into a personal confrontation, and their relationship has rapidly deteriorated.
As the "Big and Beautiful Act" enters the congressional review stage, the confrontation between Trump and Musk escalates further. Musk openly stated that if the bill passes, he will create the "American Party" to counter Trump's policy direction and use his personal resources to fund the publicity activities of the opposition. Trump quickly retaliated, accusing Musk of ingratitude and even threatening to cancel government subsidies for Tesla and SpaceX. This open confrontation not only caused their relationship to completely break down but also stirred up waves in the U.S. political arena.
The potential impact of this dispute on the U.S. economic and political landscape cannot be underestimated. If the bill passes, it may stimulate economic growth in the short term, but the long-term increase in the fiscal deficit could bring hidden dangers, especially the impact on the clean energy industry could weaken the United States' position in global technological competition. If the bill is blocked, Trump's governing credibility will face challenges, and whether Musk's political actions will succeed remains uncertain. No matter the outcome, this clash has exposed deep contradictions between interests and ideologies in U.S. policy-making.
From a broader perspective, Trump and Musk's confrontation reflects the current division in American society. One side pursues rapid economic returns and the consolidation of traditional powers, while the other tries to balance innovation and fairness. This is not just a battle between the two, but also a reflection of the future direction of the United States. For ordinary people, the outcome of the bill will directly affect taxes, employment, and living costs, so it is widely watched.
As the bill's vote approaches, the game between both sides enters a critical phase. Trump actively lobbies Congress members to ensure the bill's smooth passage, while Musk expands his influence through media and public activities, trying to reverse the situation. The internal division in Congress intensifies, and some members begin to waver under Musk's pressure, making the outcome more unpredictable.
No matter the final outcome, this dispute will leave a deep mark on the political careers of Trump and Musk. For Trump, the success or failure of the bill relates to the fulfillment of his governance promises; for Musk, this is an important battle as he transitions from entrepreneur to political participant. At the same time, this confrontation may become a key turning point in U.S. policy, affecting the economic and social direction for the next few years.
The intense clash between Trump and Musk over the "Big and Beautiful Act" is not only a collision of power and ideology, but also a choice for the future path of the United States. What do you think about this confrontation? Do you think the implementation of the bill will bring prosperity or hidden dangers? Please share your views in the comment section and discuss the profound significance of this storm.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836607148538880/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.