House Speaker Mike Johnson recently shared that Elon Musk changed his phone number shortly after a serious disagreement with Donald Trump. Johnson had sent Musk a long message during discussions about Trump’s major tax and spending plan, called the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” But days passed, and the message was never read.
Later, Johnson found out Musk had changed his phone number right after a tense phone call with Trump. The disagreement was about the bill’s massive cost (up to $5 trillion over ten years) and the plan to cut clean-energy programs, which Musk strongly opposed. This move suggests that Musk, who used to give advice to the White House, may have ended his close connection with Trump and the government.
Why Did Musk and Trump Argue?
The fight happened over a draft of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which Musk called a “disgusting abomination” because it would increase national debt. He was especially upset about a part of the bill (Section 402) that would:
- End the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicles (EVs) by September 2025
- Cut other clean-energy incentives that help companies like Tesla
Read more: ‘Promises Kept!’ Trump Signs Trillion-Dollar ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ as Fighter Jets Roar on July 4
How Did Johnson Find Out Musk Changed His Number?
Johnson said he texted Musk to cool things down and talk about changes to the bill. But he never got a reply. When he checked with mutual contacts, he discovered Musk had changed his number just after the heated call with Trump. Johnson later said his message was basically “lost in space.”
Why Does This Matter for Business and Policy?
The fallout between Musk and Trump could affect:
- Federal contracts: Musk’s company SpaceX works closely with NASA. While contracts remain, bad relationships at the top could slow down future projects.
- Defense work: Musk’s Starlink provides internet to the U.S. military. Renewing or expanding deals needs approval from the Pentagon.
- Tesla’s pricing: Without the EV tax credit, Tesla cars will become more expensive, especially with new competitors in the market.
- Politics: Musk has hinted at starting a new political party (“America Party”), which could take support from both Republicans and Democrats.
What Happens Next?
Mike Johnson still hopes to meet Musk in person. Government officials say daily work with Musk’s companies will continue. But experts warn that big defense and space projects often need strong political relationships—and a changed phone number may be a sign those relationships are strained.
Also Read: Elon Musk’s SpaceX Invests $2 Billion in xAI to Expand His AI Empire with Grok and X
FAQs – Quick Answers
1. How long did Musk use his old number?
Since at least 2020, according to security experts.
2. Do contractors have to inform the government when they change contact info?
Yes. Contracts usually require written notice within 30 days.
3. Does the bill give money for tech projects that help SpaceX?
Yes. The bill includes $1.2 billion over five years for launch-vehicle research.
4. Have CEOs successfully created new political parties in the U.S.?
Only once. In 1992, businessman Ross Perot‘s Reform Party got 19% of the vote—the highest for any CEO-led party in modern U.S. history.
