On June 5, while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, President Trump reflected on his past relationship with Elon Musk. He said that the two of them had once shared a strong connection, even calling it a “great relationship.” However, he added that he wasn’t sure if that bond still existed, suggesting that things had changed between them.
Trump’s comments came after Musk publicly criticized a major piece of legislation supported by the president. Musk didn’t just disagree quietly—he called the bill “a disgusting abomination” and encouraged his millions of social media followers to reach out to their representatives and demand that they reject it. This public clash marked a sharp turn in their relationship, especially given how closely they had worked in the past.
Musk’s main concern about the bill appears to be its financial impact. He believes it would add significantly to the national deficit, which he sees as irresponsible. But Trump sees Musk’s motivation differently. He believes Musk is mainly upset because the bill would eliminate a \$7,500 tax credit that benefits people who buy electric cars. This credit, which was introduced under President Biden, has been a big boost for electric vehicle companies like Tesla—Musk’s company. By cutting that benefit, the bill could potentially hurt Tesla’s sales, and Trump thinks that’s why Musk is really speaking out against it.
Trump didn’t hide his frustration. He said he was “very disappointed” in Musk and reminded reporters that he had done a lot to help Musk in the past. He suggested that Musk’s success had, in part, been supported by his administration’s actions, and that Musk turning against him now felt like a betrayal.
The tension is particularly notable because Musk had been part of Trump’s administration earlier in the year. During the first few months of Trump’s second term, Musk led the Department of Government Efficiency, a role that gave him influence and access to high-level decision-making. He left the position just a week before Trump’s latest comments.
Even with all the recent conflict, Trump did offer some compliments. He acknowledged that Musk worked hard and performed well during his time in the administration. Trump also said he believed Musk might actually miss being involved in the government. He said that once Musk left the White House, he likely realized how special it was to work in the Oval Office and be part of the inner circle of national leadership. In Trump’s view, Musk may be feeling some regret now that he’s no longer in that position of power and influence.
