A simmering rift between tech titan Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has taken center stage, with a former confidant revealing Musk’s alleged determination to challenge the president’s agenda. Philip Low, a neuroscientist and long-time associate of Musk, dropped a bombshell in a Monday interview with Politico, hinting at a calculated strategy by Musk to undermine Trump’s political efforts.
“I’ve had my share of blowouts with Elon over the years,” Low said when speaking with Politico. “Knowing Elon the way I know him, I do think he’s going to do everything to damage the president.”
The tension traces back to Musk’s vocal opposition to the GOP’s sweeping legislative proposal, dubbed the “one big, beautiful bill” by its supporters. On June 3, Musk took to X, slamming the legislation as “a disgusting abomination.”
He doubled down on Saturday, warning that the bill would devastate millions of jobs and “cause immense strategic harm to our country.” His public criticism has fueled speculation about his motives, especially given his past ties to Trump’s inner circle.
The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country!
Utterly insane and destructive. It gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future. https://t.co/TZ9w1g7zHF
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 28, 2025
Low, who founded NeuroVigil and knew Musk for 14 years, painted a picture of a deeply personal conflict. Musk’s ousting from NeuroVigil’s advisory board—reportedly at his own request to avoid exercising stock options, per Politico—marked a turning point in their relationship.
“He has been humiliated,” Low told Politico, suggesting Musk’s public alignment with Trump’s agenda, such as supporting right-wing judges or election campaigns, masks a deeper vendetta. “Elon might do all of that, but deep down, it’s over.”
Despite a public cooling of tensions following a viral online clash in June, Low hinted Musk is merely playing the long game. Musk issued an apology, and Trump brushed off the spat, claiming there were no “hard feelings.” Yet, Low’s comments suggest a more complex dynamic at play, with Musk potentially waiting for the right moment to strike.
The White House, however, dismissed the drama. Spokesperson Harrison Fields called Politico’s reporting “laughable and fundamentally unserious,” emphasizing Trump’s focus on securing borders, revitalizing the economy, and promoting global peace.
Meanwhile, the controversial bill at the heart of the feud cleared a significant hurdle on Saturday. Senate Republicans pushed it through a procedural vote, 51-49, with only Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) breaking party lines.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) countered with a delay tactic, forcing clerks to read the entire 940-page document aloud, stalling debate for 16 hours. The Congressional Budget Office has warned the legislation could balloon the national debt, already at a staggering $36.2 trillion.
Low encouraged Trump to take Musk seriously, noting his sway over the president’s base. “Elon has wooed enough of Trump’s supporters to be an actual threat politically,” Low explained to Politico.
“He doesn’t realize the battle that he has on his hands, and one way to cut the support away from Elon is to actually adopt some of the things he is for.”
Trump, for his part, struck a conciliatory tone on Sunday, calling Musk a “wonderful guy” despite their public disagreements. This came after earlier remarks where Trump suggested Musk had “lost it” over his relentless criticism of the bill.
The Fairview Gazette will keep you updated on any news regarding President Donald Trump and his relationship with Elon Musk.
