Trump confirmed to NBC News that he believes his relationship with Musk is over and expressed no desire to mend fences after weeks of escalating tensions online. Musk, who was once a significant supporter of Trump, criticized the president’s major tax and spending legislation, referring to it as harmful to the national deficit. Trump's administration has maintained strong backing from Republican leaders, with Vice-President JD Vance describing Musk’s actions as a grave error.
Previously, Musk took to social media to denounce the Big Beautiful Bill, a policy touted by Trump, as a "disgusting abomination," which he claimed undermined his prior efforts to reduce government spending through the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). Trump expressed disappointment over Musk's recent behavior, suggesting it was disrespectful to the presidency.
In response, Musk accused Trump of needing his support to win the election and made unverified allegations concerning Trump’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a claim Musk later retracted. Trump retaliated by labeling Musk as "crazy" and hinted at potential repercussions concerning Musk’s federal contracts.
During the NBC interview, Trump indicated that Musk had shown a lack of respect for his presidential office, stating, "You could not disrespect the office of the president." The discord raises questions about Musk's future political endorsements, with implications that he might back opponents to those who supported Trump's taxing strategies.
As the fallout continues, both figures seem unlikely to reconcile, marking a significant shift in their previously close relationship.
Previously, Musk took to social media to denounce the Big Beautiful Bill, a policy touted by Trump, as a "disgusting abomination," which he claimed undermined his prior efforts to reduce government spending through the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). Trump expressed disappointment over Musk's recent behavior, suggesting it was disrespectful to the presidency.
In response, Musk accused Trump of needing his support to win the election and made unverified allegations concerning Trump’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a claim Musk later retracted. Trump retaliated by labeling Musk as "crazy" and hinted at potential repercussions concerning Musk’s federal contracts.
During the NBC interview, Trump indicated that Musk had shown a lack of respect for his presidential office, stating, "You could not disrespect the office of the president." The discord raises questions about Musk's future political endorsements, with implications that he might back opponents to those who supported Trump's taxing strategies.
As the fallout continues, both figures seem unlikely to reconcile, marking a significant shift in their previously close relationship.
