U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday issued a stern warning to his former advisor, Elon Musk, threatening “serious consequences” should the tech billionaire attempt to penalize Republican lawmakers who vote in favor of a contentious spending bill.
These remarks, made by President Trump to NBC News, follow a dramatic and acrimonious breakdown in the relationship between the two influential figures this week. The highly public deterioration, largely unfolding on social media before a captivated audience on Thursday, was ignited by Musk’s strong criticism of Trump’s proposed “big, beautiful” spending bill, which is currently before Congress.
Some lawmakers opposing the legislation had reportedly urged Musk – a significant financial contributor to the Republican Party in last year’s presidential election – to fund primary challenges against Republicans who support the bill.
“He’ll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that,” President Trump told NBC News on Saturday, also characterizing Musk as “disrespectful.” Trump did not specify the nature of these potential consequences. He further stated that he harbored “no” desire to mend his relationship with the South African-born head of Tesla and SpaceX, asserting that he had “no intention of speaking to him.”
The escalating tensions come just last week, when President Trump offered Musk a glowing farewell as he departed his cost-cutting role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, their relationship fractured within days when Musk publicly described the spending bill, which could significantly shape Trump’s second term, as an “abomination.” Trump responded with a sharp diatribe from the Oval Office, leading to a rapid escalation of the dispute that has stunned Washington.
Despite the significant political and economic risks associated with their falling out, both individuals appeared to de-escalate slightly on Friday, with Trump telling reporters, “I just wish him well,” and Musk responding on X with “Likewise.”
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