Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has fired a stern warning at tech billionaire Elon Musk, cautioning of “very serious consequences” if the SpaceX and Tesla CEO shifts his financial allegiance toward Democratic candidates. The warning follows an escalating public feud between the two powerful figures, once political allies during the 2024 election cycle.
In an interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press host Kristin Welker on Saturday, Trump addressed Musk’s recent criticism of a controversial Republican-backed spending bill.
“If he does, he’ll have to pay the consequences for that. He’ll have to pay very serious consequences,” Trump said, offering no details on what such consequences might entail.
The clash marks a dramatic fallout in the high-stakes relationship between the former president and the billionaire entrepreneur. Musk, who donated more than $250 million to Republican candidates in 2024, played a key role in helping the GOP clinch a 53-47 Senate majority and maintain control of the House.
But the alliance appears to be unraveling.
Taking to his platform X earlier this week, Musk slammed Trump’s proposed “big beautiful bill,” branding it an “abomination” and accusing Republicans of embracing “reckless federal spending.” He also suggested Trump’s 2024 win hinged on his financial muscle.
“Without my hundreds of millions in donations, Trump wouldn’t have stood a chance,” Musk posted.
GOP in Turmoil
Musk’s latest signals that he might back Democratic primary challengers have rattled GOP leaders, particularly those facing pressure to oppose the spending bill. Some within the party are urging Musk to withhold funding from Republican lawmakers who support the measure.
The growing rift comes as Trump publicly distances himself from the billionaire.
“He’s been very disrespectful,” Trump said. “I have no desire to speak to him.”
Epstein Allegations Resurface
Tensions further escalated after Musk briefly posted — and then deleted — tweets suggesting Trump may be named in unreleased files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Musk offered no evidence, and later walked back the insinuations.
Trump dismissed the claims as “old news,” reiterating past denials of any misconduct.
“Even Epstein’s own lawyer said I had nothing to do with it,” Trump said. While the two were once photographed together, Trump has denied visiting Epstein’s private island or being involved in any of his criminal activities.
As the drama unfolds between two of the most high-profile figures in American politics and business, the fallout could reshape donor dynamics ahead of the 2026 midterms — and strain the Republican Party’s fragile unity.
