In a rare display of public criticism, US President Donald Trump expressed sharp disappointment in billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk on Thursday, suggesting a potential rift in what had been a close relationship between the two influential figures. The fallout comes after Musk lambasted Trump’s signature spending legislation as a “disgusting abomination”.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump acknowledged their previously cordial ties but hinted the dynamic had changed following Musk’s blistering critique. “Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore. I was surprised,” Trump said, reacting to Musk’s comments made earlier this week on social media.
Trump suggested Musk’s change in tone stemmed from one specific policy adjustment in the bill — a proposed scaling back of electric vehicle (EV) mandates. “Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anyone sitting here. And then all of a sudden he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out we’re gonna have to cut the EV mandate. I’m very disappointed in Elon. I’ve helped him a lot,” Trump said.
#WATCH | President Trump says he is disappointed with Elon Musk, here is why#DonaldTrump #ElonMusk pic.twitter.com/1Z3d7a31un
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The bill at the center of the controversy is widely seen as the cornerstone of Trump’s second-term economic agenda. It promises sweeping tax incentives for American manufacturing and energy firms, along with aggressive deregulation aimed at bolstering domestic production. Supporters have hailed it as a catalyst for economic growth, but critics argue it prioritizes corporate interests over sustainable innovation.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, delivered a scathing rebuke of the legislation, calling it “massive, outrageous, [and] pork-filled” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it,” Musk wrote.