The escalating feud between President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has taken a new turn. In a recent phone interview with NBC News, Trump warned Musk of “serious consequences” if he were to fund Democratic candidates, although the president did not specify what those consequences would entail.
The ongoing conflict between the two influential figures started earlier this week and has quickly become one of the most talked-about political disputes.
Trump’s Warning to Musk
President Trump did not hold back in his recent interview when discussing Elon Musk’s potential support for Democratic candidates. Trump made it clear that Musk would “have to pay the consequences” if he chose to back the Democrats.
However, Trump avoided going into specifics about the nature of these consequences. The remark is the latest chapter in a rapidly escalating feud that has seen Musk criticize Trump’s political actions and policies.
Trump also expressed that he had no interest in mending his relationship with Musk, stating he would “assume” their relationship was over. This followed Musk’s recent criticism of Trump’s policies and actions, signaling that any hopes for a reconciliation were unlikely.
The Feud Intensifies
The tension between Trump and Musk began earlier this week when Musk publicly criticized a major piece of legislation known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which was heavily supported by Trump.
Musk called the bill an “outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill,” describing it as “a disgusting abomination.” His comments set the stage for the growing rift between the two, with Musk taking to social media to express his disapproval.
Musk didn’t stop there. He made explosive posts on his X account (formerly known as Twitter) that quickly grabbed attention. In one post, Musk accused Trump of being involved in matters related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In another, he supported calls for Trump’s impeachment and even suggested that Vice President JD Vance could take charge instead.
These public statements from Musk have certainly not gone unnoticed by Trump, who appeared particularly upset by Musk’s remarks. Trump responded in an interview with Fox News, where he expressed his disapproval of Musk’s behavior, saying, “Elon’s totally lost it.”
That same day, Trump posted on his Truth Social account, suggesting that Musk should have turned against him “months ago” and asserting that the bill Musk criticized was one of the “greatest bills ever presented to Congress.”
The History of Their Relationship
The relationship between Trump and Musk had started on a positive note, with Musk initially endorsing Trump during the 2016 election campaign. Musk even joined Trump’s administration briefly, where he played a role in leading the DOGE team. However, recent events have led to a sharp turn in their once-strong bond.
In particular, Musk’s vocal opposition to Trump-backed policies, along with his criticism of Trump’s actions after his administration ended, seems to have sealed the fate of their relationship.
Musk’s endorsement of Trump, particularly after the assassination attempt on Trump during a campaign rally in 2016, initially seemed to form a lasting friendship between the two men. However, as Musk has distanced himself from Trump politically, the relationship has rapidly deteriorated.
Musk’s Political Stance
While Trump’s influence over Musk’s political views seemed clear early on, Musk’s more recent actions suggest a shift toward the left. His critique of the Trump-backed “Big Beautiful Bill” reflects his increasing frustration with some of the policies championed by the former president.
Musk’s recent social media activity, including his accusations and support for calls for Trump’s impeachment, further illustrates his distancing from the Republican agenda.
This shift in Musk’s stance could have broader implications, especially as he is considered one of the most influential figures in the tech industry. Should Musk choose to support Democratic candidates or policies, it could have a significant impact on both the business and political landscapes.