US President Donald Trump on Saturday warned Elon Musk of “serious consequences” if the tech billionaire goes on to finance Democratic candidates to run against Republicans who vote in favour of his tax cuts and spending bill.
In a blunt interview with NBC News, President Trump lashed out at Musk, calling him “disrespectful” to the highest office in the land and ruling out any chance of patching up their damaged relationship.
“I have no intention of speaking to him,” Trump said. “He’s been very disrespectful — not just to me, but to the presidency. That’s something I don’t tolerate.”
A Threat, Plain and Public
The trigger for Trump’s fury? Musk’s rumored plans to back Democratic challengers in upcoming races — particularly those targeting Republicans who supported Trump’s sweeping tax cut and federal spending bill.
“If he goes down that road, he’ll have to face very serious consequences,” the President warned, offering no specifics but making the threat clear.
The tone was unmistakable: Trump sees Musk’s political moves not as business as usual — but as betrayal.
Once Allies, Now at War
The Trump-Musk relationship has always been complicated: mutual admiration mixed with public jabs. Musk served briefly on Trump’s business council before quitting over climate disagreements. Since then, the two have occasionally clashed — but never like this.
This week, tensions exploded after Musk criticized the President’s latest spending proposal, calling it excessive and damaging to innovation. Trump responded by going on the offensive — publicly and personally.
“Relationship Over”: Trump Shuts the Door
Asked if reconciliation was possible, Trump didn’t hesitate: “No. I would assume the relationship is over.”
With that, the President of the United States has effectively frozen out one of the world’s most powerful business leaders — a man who commands influence over AI, space, electric vehicles, and social media.
The Political Stakes
Trump’s warning comes at a delicate moment. As campaign season heats up, donor money and tech influence will be critical. Musk, once considered a wildcard, now seems to be shifting toward open political opposition.
In return, Trump is making it clear: if you cross him, especially on his core agenda, there will be fallout.
What Next?
This high-stakes standoff could have lasting implications — for regulation, for elections, and for America’s already-fraught relationship between government and Big Tech.
One thing is certain: the President has drawn his line, and Elon Musk is officially on the other side.
What’s at Stake?
Trump’s warning could affect Musk’s sprawling business empire, especially if political allies of Trump seek to apply pressure through investigations or regulatory hurdles. On the other hand, Musk’s deep pockets and global influence make him a formidable player who doesn’t scare easily.
With two giants clashing — one representing raw political muscle, the other technological empire — America could be witnessing the beginning of a new kind of political-tech cold war.
‘A huge mistake’: JD Vance on Musk-Trump feud; urges reconciliation
Vice President JD Vance weighed in on the growing rift between Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump, calling the feud a “huge mistake” on Musk’s part and expressing hope for reconciliation. “Elon is entitled to his opinion,” Vance said during an interview with comedian Theo Von, which was released on Saturday. He added that he hopes the billionaire Tesla CEO “comes back into the fold”.
Vance’s appearance on Von’s popular podcast, This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, was recorded on Thursday, just as tensions flared between Trump and Musk. The two figures had exchanged sharp remarks on social media over Musk’s criticism of the Trump-backed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, deepening the public fallout.
On the podcast episode, the VP said, “I’m not saying he has to agree with the bill or agree with everything that I’m saying.” He continued, “I just think it’s a huge mistake for the world’s wealthiest man — I think one of the most transformational entrepreneurs ever — to be at war with the world’s most powerful man, who I think is doing more to save the country than anybody in my lifetime,” as reported by The New York Post.
*Sketch is AI generated