(USA, 8th) US President Trump said that his relationship with billionaire Musk is over. He warned that if Musk funds Democrats who stand against the Republican-backed comprehensive tax reform bill, there will be serious consequences.
Trump made the remarks during a phone interview with NBC on Saturday (June 7). He refused to disclose the specific content of the so-called serious consequences and said he hadn't discussed whether to investigate Musk.
When asked if he considered his relationship with Musk to be over, Trump said, "I think so, it's over."
NBC further asked if he would like to repair this relationship, to which he denied: "No. I do not intend to talk to him."
Trump and Musk were once close allies, with the latter providing strong financial support during Trump’s last campaign. After Trump returned to the White House on January 20 this year, he appointed Musk to lead his newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to implement his extensive government reform plans.
However, the two dramatically fell out a few months later. Musk officially resigned from the leadership position of the Department of Government Efficiency at the end of May and recently clashed with Trump online, criticizing his "Big and Beautiful" tax reform bill as "disgusting," and stated that it's time to establish a new party in America that "represents 80% of the centrists."
Meanwhile, some Democratic members are trying to woo Musk to help Democrats in next year’s midterm elections.
Trump threatened to cancel contracts with Musk's companies. However, he said in the NBC interview that he hasn't considered terminating the US government’s contracts with Musk's Starlink or SpaceX.
Trump's "Big and Beautiful" tax reform bill narrowly passed the House in May and is currently submitted to the Senate for review, with some Republicans considering amending the bill. Trump told NBC he believes the bill will pass before the July 4 Independence Day holiday.
According to non-partisan analysts, the bill could increase America’s $36.2 trillion debt by $2.4 trillion over 10 years. Many lawmakers are concerned about this, including some fiscally conservative Republicans.
Although Musk later deleted some posts criticizing Trump on social media, indicating a possible intention to ease tensions, the rift between the two still exists. Vice President Vance publicly stated that Musk’s criticism of Trump was a huge mistake, hoping that Musk "will eventually get back on track."
Since Trump was elected President for the second time, he has watched two Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events with Musk. Trump will watch the event in New Jersey later on Saturday, but Musk is not expected to attend this time.
Trump made the remarks during a phone interview with NBC on Saturday (June 7). He refused to disclose the specific content of the so-called serious consequences and said he hadn't discussed whether to investigate Musk.
When asked if he considered his relationship with Musk to be over, Trump said, "I think so, it's over."
NBC further asked if he would like to repair this relationship, to which he denied: "No. I do not intend to talk to him."
Trump and Musk were once close allies, with the latter providing strong financial support during Trump’s last campaign. After Trump returned to the White House on January 20 this year, he appointed Musk to lead his newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to implement his extensive government reform plans.
However, the two dramatically fell out a few months later. Musk officially resigned from the leadership position of the Department of Government Efficiency at the end of May and recently clashed with Trump online, criticizing his "Big and Beautiful" tax reform bill as "disgusting," and stated that it's time to establish a new party in America that "represents 80% of the centrists."
Meanwhile, some Democratic members are trying to woo Musk to help Democrats in next year’s midterm elections.
Trump threatened to cancel contracts with Musk's companies. However, he said in the NBC interview that he hasn't considered terminating the US government’s contracts with Musk's Starlink or SpaceX.
Trump's "Big and Beautiful" tax reform bill narrowly passed the House in May and is currently submitted to the Senate for review, with some Republicans considering amending the bill. Trump told NBC he believes the bill will pass before the July 4 Independence Day holiday.
According to non-partisan analysts, the bill could increase America’s $36.2 trillion debt by $2.4 trillion over 10 years. Many lawmakers are concerned about this, including some fiscally conservative Republicans.
Although Musk later deleted some posts criticizing Trump on social media, indicating a possible intention to ease tensions, the rift between the two still exists. Vice President Vance publicly stated that Musk’s criticism of Trump was a huge mistake, hoping that Musk "will eventually get back on track."
Since Trump was elected President for the second time, he has watched two Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events with Musk. Trump will watch the event in New Jersey later on Saturday, but Musk is not expected to attend this time.