U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Elon Musk sternly, cautioning the billionaire against supporting Democratic candidates financially. In an interview with NBC News, Trump stated that Musk would face “very serious consequences” if he funds Democrats opposing Republicans who backed the GOP’s latest budget proposal. However, Trump declined to specify what those consequences would be.
When asked about the status of his relationship with Musk, Trump was direct. He confirmed he has no interest in mending ties, adding, “I have no intention of speaking to him. I’m too busy doing other things.” He also criticized Musk for showing “disrespect” to the presidency, expressing disappointment in the tech mogul’s recent behavior.
The tension between the two men escalated after Musk openly criticized the Republican-led spending bill passed in the House. Trump said he was disappointed in Musk, noting that the Tesla and SpaceX CEO had insight into the bill’s contents and should have voiced objections earlier. According to Trump, Musk’s decision to turn against him came too late.
Following Trump’s remarks, Musk posted a series of attacks on X (formerly Twitter), including a now-deleted call for Trump’s impeachment and another warning that the president’s tariff plans could trigger a recession. Musk also resurfaced past allegations linking Trump to the late Jeffrey Epstein, which Trump dismissed as “old news.”
The public fallout between the two figures highlights growing friction within conservative circles. While allies such as Steve Bannon have called for investigations into Musk’s businesses and immigration history, Trump downplayed these suggestions, saying they were not on his radar.
Trump also appeared unconcerned about any influence Musk might have on the fate of the budget bill, expressing strong confidence that it would pass the Senate before July 4. “The Republican Party has never been more united,” he said, implying that the conflict had only strengthened party cohesion.
Despite hinting at canceling federal contracts with Musk’s companies, Trump said he hadn’t seriously considered it. “I’d be allowed to do that,” he admitted, “but I haven’t given it any thought.”
Their feud, now fully out in the open, marks a sharp shift from the cooperative tone both men previously shared.
