In a dramatic turn that has captivated the political and tech worlds, President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, once unlikely allies in reshaping American governance, are now locked in a high-stakes public war. The rift, exploding into view just days after Musk stepped down from his unofficial role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has escalated from policy disagreements to personal accusations, including Musk’s unsubstantiated claim that Trump appears in the Jeffrey Epstein files. This feud, unfolding largely on social media, has left Fox News anchors—longtime Trump supporters—grappling with how to address the fallout without alienating their audience or the key figures involved. As of early June 2025, the bickering has dominated headlines, forcing the network’s stars to navigate a minefield of loyalty, diplomacy, and damage control.

The tension ignited shortly after Musk’s departure from DOGE on June 1, 2025, a position he held informally to advise on slashing federal spending. Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, had been a vocal proponent of efficiency reforms, but cracks appeared when he publicly blasted Trump’s “big, beautiful bill”—a massive spending package aimed at infrastructure and economic stimulus. What began as a policy spat quickly devolved into a back-and-forth on X (formerly Twitter), with Trump threatening to scrutinize Musk’s lucrative government contracts and Musk firing back with calls for Trump’s impeachment. The bombshell came when Musk alleged, without evidence, that Trump’s name is in the sealed Epstein files, suggesting that’s why the White House hasn’t released them fully. Trump retaliated by labeling Musk a “radical leftist” and hinting at potential consequences for his companies.

This public spectacle has not only highlighted ideological fractures within the conservative sphere but also exposed vulnerabilities in Trump’s administration. Musk, who played a pivotal role in Trump’s 2024 victory through endorsements and financial support, now represents a wildcard threat. His accusations tie into ongoing demands for transparency on Epstein’s network, with figures like Rep. Jamie Raskin invoking Musk’s claims to push for file releases. Analysts speculate the feud could impact midterm elections, eroding Trump’s MAGA base if unresolved. Yet, beneath the vitriol, signs of strategic maneuvering persist—Musk donated $5 million to a Trump-aligned super PAC on June 27, even as the barbs flew.

Fox News, Trump’s most steadfast media ally, found itself in an awkward position on June 5, 2025, as hosts reacted to the escalating drama. Jesse Watters, host of “Jesse Watters Primetime,” downplayed the conflict as typical male bravado. “Sometimes guys fight. Guys sometimes will punch you in the face, and the next night, you’re having a beer. Sleep with your girlfriend, and you patch things up,” Watters quipped, likening Trump and Musk to “roommates” who had been in “close quarters” for months and were simply “blowing off steam.” His casual dismissal aimed to normalize the spat, framing it as a temporary rift rather than a seismic shift.

Sean Hannity, a longtime Trump confidant on “Hannity,” echoed the minimization, insisting the disagreement centered solely on the budget bill. “These are two very talented individuals. Frankly, they don’t need each other to be successful, but I do hope they work it out and set an example for the rest of the country,” Hannity said. He deftly pivoted from Musk’s Epstein allegations by redirecting scrutiny to former President Bill Clinton, suggesting Clinton’s deeper ties to Epstein warranted more attention. This deflection tactic preserved Trump’s image while subtly undermining Musk’s credibility.

Laura Ingraham took a more balanced approach on “The Ingraham Angle,” urging Trump to “simply disengage” and defending Musk’s independence. “Musk is his own person. The government contracts that he has stand on their own merit; they shouldn’t be called into question,” she stated, referencing Musk’s recent SpaceX efforts in rescuing stranded astronauts. Ingraham’s stance highlighted a rare defense of Musk on the network, acknowledging his contributions to American innovation amid the chaos.

Not all reactions were optimistic. Will Cain, co-host of “Fox & Friends,” appeared visibly downcast, lamenting, “This is not a story that we wanted today for America. Perhaps somewhat predictable with two big personalities but not a story that we wanted.” His somber tone reflected broader concerns about division within conservative ranks. Former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, now a Fox contributor, called the feud “a sad thing to see,” adding, “I don’t want to see the adults fighting… But I do think this was predictable.” Greg Gutfeld, the irreverent host of “Gutfeld!,” was blunt: “I don’t like it. I want it to stop. I want to tell them, if they are both watching: ‘Knock it off. We’re done with this.'”

These varied responses illustrate Fox News’ internal struggle: balancing unwavering support for Trump with recognition of Musk’s influence. The network’s primetime lineup, which has propelled Trump for years, risks alienating viewers who admire Musk’s entrepreneurial spirit. Social media reactions from fans show a divided base—some decry the feud as “theatrics,” while others speculate it’s a ploy to distract from policy failures. One X user noted, “The ‘feud’ was a setup to make it look like Musk was distancing himself from Trump while in reality, they are still working together.”

The broader implications are profound. This clash exposes fissures in the MAGA coalition, where tech titans like Musk wield outsized power. Musk’s later regret—”I went too far”—and his substantial donation suggest reconciliation is possible, but the damage lingers. For Fox News, the feud tests their role as unifiers in a polarized landscape. As Trump and Musk continue trading barbs, the anchors’ pleas for peace underscore a simple truth: in politics, even titans can unravel alliances overnight. Whether this war ends in beer or bitterness remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a spectacle that’s hard to look away from.