Musk, once Trump’s biggest political backer in the 2024 election, has dramatically shifted gears. After months as a close ally and head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has turned increasingly critical since stepping down from the role in May.

Elon Musk and Donald Trump were once BFFs, but now DOGE’s turning on him. Welcome to the political soap opera of 2025. Elon Musk, Trump’s former ally and DOGE co-leader, is feuding with the president over a spending bill, with DOGE potentially undermining his influence.

Even though the billionaire is no longer leading the Department of Government Efficiency effort, many key staffers — and DOGE ideas — are now more permanently embedded in the federal government.