The escalating war of words between President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk marked the most contentious chapter in a yearslong and at-times rocky relationship between two of the most influential figures in business and politics.

President Donald Trump is threatening to cut Elon Musk’s government contracts as their fractured alliance rapidly escalated into a public feud.

Once a key member of President Donald Trump's inner circle, a major campaign donor and a scene-stealing presence at Cabinet meetings, Elon Musk's relationship with the president has deteriorated into a bitter public feud since leaving the White House last week.