WASHINGTON, July 6 (TNF): US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he felt “very disappointed” by Elon Musk’s criticism of his tax and spending bill. Trump admitted he was unsure if his friendship with Musk would survive.
Trump spoke during an Oval Office press event while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sat silently beside him. The president lashed out at Musk in his first comments on the matter.
“Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore. I was surprised,” Trump said. He referred to Musk’s remarks calling the bill an “abomination.” Trump added, “I’m very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody here. All of a sudden, he had a problem.”
Minutes later, Musk replied on X. He called Trump’s claim that he saw the bill in advance “false.” Musk added “Whatever” above a clip of Trump saying Musk was upset about the loss of electric vehicle subsidies.
Musk intensified the row, claiming Trump owed him his victory. “Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” Musk posted. “Such ingratitude.”
The spat came days after Trump hosted a farewell for Musk in the Oval Office as he stepped down as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). At the event, Musk showed up with a black eye. He said his son caused it.
“You saw a man who was very happy when he stood behind the Oval desk, and even with the black eye. I said, you want a little makeup? We’ll get you a little makeup,” Trump said. “But he said, ‘No, I don’t think so,’ which is interesting and very nice. He wants to be who he is.”
Trump said he understood why Musk was upset about some decisions, like withdrawing a NASA nominee Musk supported. The president’s tax and spending bill is a key part of his domestic agenda. It could shape his second term and Republican chances in the 2026 midterms.
Musk called the bill a “disgusting abomination” on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he urged Republicans to “kill the bill” and replace it with a plan that “doesn’t massively grow the deficit.” Their feud rattled investors. Tesla shares dropped over 8% on Thursday as the war of words escalated. Traders worried the fallout could harm Musk’s businesses. Trump said Musk was angry because the bill removed electric car tax breaks.
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