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House Speaker Mike Johnson has accused billionaire Elon Musk of abruptly cutting off communication as tensions escalate over former President Donald Trump’s proposed fiscal legislation. Johnson disclosed during a podcast interview that Musk changed his phone number while the lawmaker was attempting to advocate for Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping tax-and-spending package facing fierce opposition from the Tesla CEO.

The rift marks a stark reversal from years of cooperation between Musk and Trump, who had aligned closely during the 2016 campaign and early presidency. The proposed legislation, which includes significant spending hikes, social program cuts, and an expanded budget deficit, drew sharp criticism from Musk. In recent posts on X, he warned the plan “will bankrupt the country,” prompting a fiery response from Trump. The former president suggested deporting Musk to South Africa and slashing electric vehicle subsidies, which could significantly impact Tesla’s operations.

Johnson, who described sending Musk a “long text message” only to find the contact invalid, expressed frustration over the breakdown. “I realized I was sending it out into the ether,” he said on the Pod Force One podcast, adding he now hopes to mediate a reconciliation between Musk and Trump. The speaker emphasized the need for Musk to “fully understand” the strategy behind the bill, which proponents argue aims to streamline government efficiency.

The dispute has spilled into broader political maneuvering. Musk recently announced plans to launch the “America Party,” a move interpreted as a challenge to traditional political factions. Trump swiftly rebuked the effort on Truth Social, labeling Musk a “TRAIN WRECK” and predicting the new party would cause “Complete and Total DISRUPTION & CHAOS.” Analysts note the public clash underscores growing divisions within conservative circles, particularly over fiscal policy and the role of government subsidies in green energy.

While neither Musk nor Trump has commented directly on Johnson’s claims, the episode highlights the high-stakes interplay between tech leaders and policymakers. Musk’s influence in industries from electric vehicles to space exploration positions him as a pivotal figure in debates over economic strategy, though his opposition to Trump’s agenda now risks upending their once-amicable relationship.

Observers speculate that Musk’s proposed political party could further fragment the electoral landscape ahead of the 2024 elections. Meanwhile, Johnson’s attempts to bridge the gap reflect broader Republican efforts to unify behind contentious legislative priorities, even as internal disagreements threaten to derail consensus. The outcome of this high-profile feud may shape not only the fate of the bill but also the dynamics of U.S. political alliances in the coming years.