In the world of Elon Musk, five days is a very long time.

Last Friday, Donald Trump described Musk as a “very special” friend as he stepped down from his role as cost-cutting tsar, bidding farewell by presenting the Tesla chief with a golden key to the White House.

After accepting the gift, Musk told reporters in the Oval Office that he would make good use of it.

“I’ll continue to be visiting here and be a friend and adviser to the president,” he said.

Just a few days later, it appears the billionaire’s punchy advice may already be pushing this friendship to breaking point.

Late on Tuesday, Musk escalated his criticism of Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill”, attacking the US president’s package of tax cuts over fears it could add trillions to the national deficit .

He said:

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