Fact Check: Trump claims Musk went 'crazy' after losing EV subsidies!

Fact Check: "Trump claims Musk went 'crazy' after losing EV subsidies!"

What We Know

In a recent public exchange, former President Donald Trump accused Elon Musk of going "crazy" following the proposed cuts to electric vehicle (EV) subsidies in a major budget bill. Trump made this claim in a post on Truth Social, stating, "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts" (CNBC). This feud escalated after Musk criticized the budget bill, which he argued would significantly increase federal deficits. Musk's response included a threat to decommission SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, although he later retracted that statement (Reuters, CBS News).

Trump's comments about Musk's reaction were linked to the broader context of their relationship, which has seen significant ups and downs. The former president suggested that Musk's anger stemmed from losing the EV mandate that he previously enforced, which Trump claimed "forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted" (CBS News). This reflects ongoing tensions regarding federal subsidies and contracts that benefit Musk's companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, which have received billions from the government over the years (The Hill).

Analysis

The claim that Trump called Musk "crazy" is substantiated by multiple sources. Trump's use of the term appears to be a direct quote from his Truth Social post, which was widely reported across various news outlets (CNBC, The Hill). The context of this statement is crucial; it reflects a personal and political feud that has intensified due to Musk's vocal opposition to Trump's proposed budget bill.

The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident is generally high. Major news organizations like CNBC, Reuters, and CBS News have covered the story, providing detailed accounts of the exchanges between Trump and Musk. These outlets have a history of journalistic integrity and fact-checking, lending credibility to their reports. However, it's important to note that the framing of the events can vary, with some outlets emphasizing the personal animosity between the two figures while others focus on the political implications of the budget bill (CBS News, The Hill).

Musk's response to Trump's comments, including his threats regarding SpaceX's operations, adds another layer to the narrative. His statements have been characterized by a mix of bravado and defensiveness, indicating the high stakes involved in their public disagreement (Reuters, CBS News).

Conclusion

The claim that Trump referred to Musk as "crazy" in the context of losing EV subsidies is True. This assertion is supported by direct quotes from Trump's social media posts and corroborated by multiple reputable news sources. The ongoing feud highlights significant tensions over government subsidies and the political landscape surrounding electric vehicles in the United States.

Fact Check: Trump claims Musk went 'crazy' after losing EV subsidies!