Not sure if good relationship with Elon Musk will continue: Donald Trump

US President Trump says he's disappointed with Musk over opposition to tax bill and EV cuts, as public rift between the two widens

In his first public acknowledgement of tensions with Elon Musk, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he’s unsure whether their “good relationship” will continue, following disagreements over a key tax bill and electric vehicle (EV) mandates. 

 

"I'm very disappointed with Elon. I've helped him a lot," Trump said. “He knew the inner workings of the bill better than anybody sitting here. He had no problem with it—until he found out we’re going to cut the EV mandate.”

 

The remarks come days after Musk vocally opposed Trump’s flagship tax legislation—dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill”—urging lawmakers via social media to reject what he described as a “megabill” that would increase the national deficit and place a heavy debt burden on Americans.

 

“This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!” Musk posted on X.

 

Musk’s growing criticism

Over the past week, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has intensified his criticism, calling the legislation “a disgusting abomination” and accusing the Trump administration of “bankrupting America.”

 

“Call your Senator. Call your Congressman. Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL,” Musk urged his 200 million followers on X. 

 

He also warned that the bill would worsen the federal deficit and impose “crushing” debt on American taxpayers.

 

Despite previously stating that he would step away from politics, Musk’s recent activity on social media suggests a return to political activism—particularly when it comes to federal spending and EV policy.

Behind-the-scenes friction

Disagreements between Trump and Musk had been brewing behind the scenes, with sources noting tensions over the administration’s tariff plans and federal agency cuts. Musk’s vision for a leaner bureaucracy reportedly clashed with key figures inside the Trump administration.

 

The rift widened after Musk stepped down from his role on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team last week, after spending 129 days advising on cost-cutting measures.

White House holds firm

Responding to the backlash, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump remains committed to the legislation.

 

“The President already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill,” she said. “This is one, big, beautiful bill. And he’s sticking to it.” The bill, which includes sweeping changes to taxation and spending, is expected to face a tight vote in the Senate later this month.