In a striking public exchange, President Donald Trump expressed his disappointment in Elon Musk on Thursday following the billionaire’s increasing criticism of Trump’s recent legislative efforts, specifically the contentious “Big, Beautiful Bill.”
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump stated that Musk had only voiced objections after learning of cuts to electric vehicle (EV) incentives included in the bill.
“I’m very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here,” Trump remarked, emphasizing that Musk had previously shown no concerns about the legislation until its potential impact on EV mandates became apparent.
Trump added, “He had no problem with it. Then, all of a sudden, he had a problem.”
While acknowledging that Musk had not criticized him personally, Trump hinted at a possible future fallout, saying, “I’m sure that will be next.”
He reiterated his past support for Musk, noting, “I’ve helped Elon a lot,” indicating the complexity of their relationship.
Musk quickly responded on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, asserting that he had been unaware of the bill’s details prior to its passage.
“This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!” he wrote, labeling Trump’s assertion as “false.” Musk also criticized the bill for containing excessive funding he deemed unnecessary, describing it as a “mountain of disgusting pork.”
The tension escalated further as Musk claimed credit for Trump’s electoral success in 2024, stating, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election.”
In a tone of indignation, he added, “Such ingratitude,” implying that Trump’s discontent was unwarranted.
The unfolding drama highlights the broader complexities of the relationship between the tech mogul and the president, who once shared a collaborative bond.
A senior White House official noted that Trump was taken aback by Musk’s strong opposition to the bill, which had recently passed in the House and was pending in the Senate. The official remarked that while Trump may forgive, he does not easily forget slights.
In the midst of this public dispute, Musk has intensified his critiques of the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” arguing that it would exacerbate the federal deficit and burden American citizens with unsustainable debt.
“This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination,” he condemned in a recent post.
As the political landscape shifts, the fallout from this exchange between two influential figures may have ramifications not only for their respective futures but also for the broader discourse on economic policy and governance.
Both Trump and Musk remain prominent players in American politics and business, and their ongoing rivalry will be closely monitored as it unfolds.
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