Washington, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump on Saturday declared his relationship with billionaire Elon Musk effectively over, warning of “serious consequences” if Musk backs Democratic candidates opposing Republicans aligned with his administration’s tax and spending agenda.
In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump confirmed the fallout, stating, “I would assume so, yeah,” when asked whether his relationship with Musk had ended. “I have no intention of speaking to him,” Trump added, dismissing any possibility of reconciliation.
Trump, however, stopped short of outlining what consequences Musk could face and said he had not considered terminating federal contracts with Musk’s companies, including SpaceX and Starlink.
The rift comes after Musk publicly criticized Trump’s sweeping fiscal bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination.” His opposition has added tension to the bill’s prospects in Congress, where slim Republican majorities in both chambers are navigating internal disagreements. Despite that, Trump expressed confidence the legislation would pass before the July 4 holiday.
“In fact, people who were hesitant are now enthusiastically supporting it,” he said.
Nonpartisan projections estimate the bill could add $2.4 trillion to the U.S. national debt over a decade, sparking concerns from fiscal conservatives, including some within the GOP.
As tensions escalated during the week, Musk deleted several critical social media posts, including one supporting Trump’s impeachment. Insiders suggest Musk may be seeking to ease tensions, though Trump appears unwilling to reconcile.
Republican Vice President JD Vance weighed in during an appearance on This Past Weekend podcast, calling Musk’s criticism “a huge mistake,” but expressing hope for a resolution. “Maybe that’s not possible now because he’s gone so nuclear. But I hope it is,” Vance said.
Trump and Musk, who previously appeared together at past UFC events, are no longer expected to share a public appearance as Trump attends Saturday’s fight night in New Jersey. Musk is not expected to attend.
Musk, the world’s richest man, played a major financial role in Trump’s 2024 campaign, contributing nearly $300 million. Trump recently praised Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency, though Musk’s spending cuts reportedly fell far short of expectations.
Neither Musk nor the White House responded to requests for comment.
