The political landscape erupted in chaos on May 28, 2025, when White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt held a fiery press conference, branding Elon Musk a “traitor” after his abrupt departure from the Trump administration. The billionaire’s exit followed his controversial announcement of the “Big and Beautiful Bill,” a cryptic legislative proposal tied to his vision for tech innovation and economic reform. The media frenzy intensified when Tesla issued a sharp five-word response to the White House: “We innovate, you stagnate—watch us.”
Musk’s resignation from his advisory role in the administration, reported by Newsweek, came after weeks of tension, particularly following his public spat with Senator Mark Kelly, whom he also called a “traitor” over a Ukraine visit. Leavitt’s press conference, held in the White House briefing room, accused Musk of abandoning national interests for personal gain. “Elon Musk turned his back on America’s future with his reckless ‘Big and Beautiful Bill,’” she declared, alleging the proposal favored corporate greed over public welfare. The bill’s details remain vague, with X posts speculating it involves tax breaks for AI and space ventures.
The press conference, broadcast live, sent shockwaves through financial markets, with Tesla’s stock dipping 3% before recovering. Leavitt’s use of “traitor” echoed Musk’s own controversial rhetoric, drawing accusations of hypocrisy from his supporters. On X, users were divided: one wrote, “Leavitt’s just parroting Trump’s playbook—smear and distract,” while another countered, “Musk’s bill sounds like a scam. Good callout!” The term “traitor” has become a lightning rod, with Al Jazeera noting its frequent use in recent political discourse.
Tesla’s response, emailed to the White House and leaked on X, was a defiant jab: “We innovate, you stagnate—watch us.” The statement, interpreted as a swipe at the administration’s economic policies, fueled speculation about Musk’s next move. Some analysts suggest he’s positioning Tesla and SpaceX to challenge government regulations, possibly through lobbying for his bill. Others, citing Yahoo News, see his exit as a strategic retreat to avoid scrutiny over his foreign business ties.
The “Big and Beautiful Bill,” teased by Musk on X, has sparked wild theories. Some claim it’s a bold plan to fund Mars colonization, while others suspect it’s a cover for deregulating autonomous vehicles. Without official details, the bill has become a Rorschach test for political allegiances. Leavitt’s criticism, however, focused on its alleged prioritization of Musk’s enterprises over American workers, a charge that resonates with Trump’s base but risks alienating tech investors.
Musk’s departure and the ensuing war of words mark a turning point in his volatile relationship with the administration. Once a key ally, his influence—evident in DOGE budget cuts—has waned. The White House’s aggressive stance, led by Leavitt, suggests a broader crackdown on dissenting voices within Trump’s orbit. Yet, Musk’s defiance, backed by Tesla’s retort, signals he’s ready to fight from the outside.
The fallout has gripped the nation, with media outlets dissecting every angle. Washington Post linked the feud to broader tensions over foreign policy, while X posts speculate about a Musk-led political movement. As the dust settles, the question remains: Is Musk a visionary betrayed by politics, or a self-serving opportunist? With Tesla’s stock rebounding and the “Big and Beautiful Bill” still a mystery, the saga is far from over, leaving America watching a high-stakes showdown unfold.
