Fri Nov 22 02:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Musk Accuses Bezos of Urging Tesla and SpaceX Stock Dump Before Election; Bezos Denies Claim

**NEW YORK, November 21, 2024** – Elon Musk reignited his long-standing feud with Jeff Bezos on Thursday, accusing the Amazon founder of advising people to sell their Tesla and SpaceX stock before the presidential election, anticipating a Trump loss. Musk made the claim in a post on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting Bezos believed Musk’s close ties to Donald Trump would negatively impact his companies if Trump lost.

Bezos swiftly denied Musk’s allegation, stating on X that the claim was “100% not true.” Business Insider has been unable to independently verify Musk’s assertion.

The exchange highlights the ongoing rivalry between two of the world’s wealthiest individuals. Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, was a vocal supporter of Trump’s reelection campaign, contributing over $130 million and appearing at campaign rallies. Since the election, Musk has spent time at Mar-a-Lago and accepted a role in the incoming administration.

Musk’s post suggests he believes Bezos anticipated a downturn in Tesla and SpaceX valuations following a Trump defeat. Indeed, Tesla’s stock saw a significant increase in the days following the election, potentially indicating investor confidence linked to a Trump victory.

The two billionaires are competitors in several sectors, including electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and space exploration, fueling the intensity of their rivalry. This latest public spat adds another chapter to their long history of disagreements, which have included Musk’s accusations of Bezos copying his innovations and criticisms of Amazon’s business practices.

Experts suggest Musk’s actions might be a strategic move, leveraging his close relationship with the incoming administration to his competitive advantage. A professor of organizational sociology commented that Musk may use this “Bezos started it” narrative to justify leveraging his political connections.

Amazon, Tesla, and representatives for Trump have yet to comment publicly.

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