The ongoing clash between President Trump and Elon Musk has captivated audiences, drawing comparisons to the most sensational celebrity breakups, as noted by Bill Maher.
In a recent episode of HBO's "Real Time," Maher likened their public spat to a cinematic showdown, describing it as “Godzilla vs. King Kong if Godzilla was on ketamine and King Kong had a combover.”
This unexpected rift is particularly striking given the closeness of their relationship, reminiscent of high-profile couples like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. “They had their own couple name: E-lump,” Maher quipped, emphasizing the irony of their split.
Maher suggested that the deterioration of their alliance was inevitable, stating, “I can’t really think of anything other than the Trump-Elon [fight].” His commentary included a recap of their political disagreements, tracing the tension back to a recent Oval Office meeting where Musk appeared with a black eye.
During this meeting, Trump claimed he offered makeup to Musk, who declined the gesture, prompting Maher to question, “Yeah, weird, Elon, what sort of man turns down makeup?”
The feud escalated as both figures exchanged barbs. Musk criticized Trump’s tariffs for potentially triggering a recession, while Trump retorted that Tesla’s electric vehicles were not in demand. The situation intensified when Musk suggested he was instrumental in Trump’s election victory.
“And Trump said, ‘Well, you know what Mars is a s—thole planet.’ And Musk said, ‘Oh my god, you are not the same man I used to heil,’” Maher recounted, illustrating the absurdity of their exchanges.
Recent developments have only exacerbated tensions. Musk controversially claimed on X that Trump’s connection to the Epstein files was the reason for their non-release, although he later deleted the post.
In contrast, Trump has attempted to downplay the situation, stating he hasn’t given much thought to his former “First Buddy.”
“The stakes are so high because the winner faces Blake Lively,” Maher joked, alluding to the actress's recent fall from grace.
With Musk ramping up his criticism of Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” and advocating for a new political party to rival the GOP, any remnants of camaraderie between the two appear to have vanished.
