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Link to newsround

Why have President Trump and billionaire Elon Musk fallen out?

They are two of the most powerful men in the world, but why are they now unhappy with each other?

Have you ever fallen out with a friend and it felt like the whole world knew about it?

Well, that's what's happened with US President Donald Trump and billionaire businessman Elon Musk.

Back in 2024, Elon Musk - the world's richest man - ed Donald Trump in his quest to become the President of the United States for a second time.

After winning the election, Trump gave Musk a special role in his government, as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, or 'Doge' for short.

From that point they were often seen together and it looked like they'd become best friends.

As Musk's role came to an end, things were still looking friendly and he was even given a golden key to the White House as a leaving gift.

But less than a week later things have gone sour, as the men have taken to social media for a very public argument.

So what happened, and why have the former friends fallen out? Read on to find out more.

What is Elon Musk unhappy about?

Elon Musk and Donald Trump stand in front of a red Tesla car which is parked in front of the White House in Washington D.C, United States. Reuters

Elon Musk owns electric car company Tesla

Elon Musk and Doge were given the job of reducing US government spending and cutting jobs.

For a while the two men were very close and Musk held a powerful position in Donald Trump's new government.

Last week, Musk decided to step down from his role as a 'special government employee', and concentrate on his other companies - SpaceX and electric car company Tesla.

The disagreement began when Elon Musk criticised the President's latest budget and spending bill, which sets out how the government spends and collects taxes over the next few years.

Musk says it will increase US government debt by "trillions" of dollars and "bankrupt" America.

He claimed he left his role in Doge as he couldn't "stand it anymore", and called the bill a "disgusting abomination".

Musk has even said the President was ungrateful and that he would have lost the election without his help.

What has President Trump said?

A close up shot of President Donald Trump. Reuters

After Musk's social media outbursts, Donald Trump hit back, telling reporters: "Elon and I had a great relationship, I don't know if we will anymore."

The president threatened to withdraw government funds and cancel business dealings with Musk's businesses, Tesla and the SpaceX programme.

Trump also said Musk was upset because his car company, Tesla, is likely to financially suffer by Trump's plans to end electric vehicle tax credits. He claimed Musk "just went CRAZY!" at the news.

One news report has even said Trump is now considering selling his own Tesla car.

What's next for the President and Elon Musk?

Donald Trump presents Elon Musk with a golden key on his last day in his Doge roleReuters

It was only last week that Mr Trump presented Musk with a golden key on his last day in his Doge role - suggesting he will always be welcome in the White House

There were reports that the pair were due to speak over the phone on Friday but during an interview with ABC News, Trump said he wasn't interested in speaking to the billionaire yet, and instead described Musk as "the man who has lost his mind".

"I'm not even thinking about Elon. He's got a problem. The poor guy's got a problem," Trump told another US news network.

The row has become big news around the world and it looks like neither side will back down soon.