United States President Donald Trump has warned Elon Musk of “serious consequences” if the billionaire decides to punish Republican lawmakers who support a new federal spending bill. This comes after their widely publicised fall-out, which played out on social media this week.
Trump gave the warning in an exclusive interview with NBC News, stating, “He’ll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that.” The president declined to clarify what those consequences would be.
Musk-Tesla fallout linked to GOP spending bill
Musk, one of the Republican Party’s major backers during the last election, had reportedly been approached by GOP hardliners. These lawmakers want him to fund primary challenges against fellow Republicans supporting Trump’s massive spending package.
The bill, dubbed Trump’s “big, beautiful” plan by his allies, has drawn internal party opposition. Musk openly slammed the bill online and suggested that the Republican Party needed a reality check.
The billionaire’s refusal to back down has deepened the feud, which many describe as the most public breakup between a sitting president and one of his wealthiest supporters.
Trump shuts door on reconciliation with Elon Musk
Trump didn’t mince words when asked if he wanted to reconcile. “No,” he said flatly. “I have no intention of speaking to him.”
Only a week ago, Trump had praised Musk while announcing his exit from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Today, the tone is drastically different, as the president accused Musk of being “disrespectful.”
The timing of the clash is critical, as the Republican Party prepares for midterm primaries where internal division could lead to major upsets. Trump appears determined to maintain control, and that includes publicly challenging anyone no matter how rich who questions his authority.
Trump threatens Elon Musk over GOP bill dispute
From public praise to personal attacks, their relationship has collapsed just as Trump seeks to tighten his grip on the party. Musk, on the other hand, seems unbothered, but with Trump’s warning now out, political observers will be watching what consequences, if any, actually follow.