Trump warns Musk of consequences over potential Democratic support

US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to billionaire Elon Musk, cautioning him against supporting the Democratic Party. In an interview with NBC News, set to air on Sunday, Trump stated, “If he does that, he will pay the price.” The statement marks a sharp escalation in the public rift between the two figures, once seen as close allies.

Clash over economic policies

The fallout stems from disagreements over Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill, which was recently introduced by his Republican administration. Musk, who has publicly opposed the legislation, advocates for significant spending cuts to address the growing U.S. budget deficit. Trump’s proposal, however, would increase national debt, sparking criticism from both Musk and the Democratic Party.

The conflict has unfolded over several days, with both men exchanging barbs. When asked whether he believed his relationship with Musk was irreparable, Trump replied, “I assume so, yes.” He further emphasized that he had no intention of reconciling with the Tesla CEO, stating he was too preoccupied with other matters.

Musk deletes post on Epstein ties

The tension between Trump and Musk intensified when the billionaire shared a controversial post on his social media platform, X, alleging that Trump’s name appeared in sealed documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Musk later deleted the post on Saturday, though it had already stirred significant public attention.

Musk also proposed forming a centrist political party, claiming Trump would never have won the presidency without his financial backing. These remarks provoked Trump to publicly consider cutting government contracts and subsidies for Musk’s companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. While Trump admitted he had “the right to do so,” he clarified that no formal actions had been taken yet.

From ally to adversary

Musk was once a major supporter of Trump, reportedly contributing over $250 million to his presidential campaign. Until late May, Musk also chaired the government efficiency agency established by Trump to implement controversial budget cuts and workforce reductions. However, their alliance has deteriorated rapidly, with the current feud underscoring the political and personal divide between two of the world’s most influential figures.