President Trump mentioned Thursday he was “very surprised” and “disappointed” by Elon Musk’s harsh criticism of the president’s signature piece of laws working its method by way of Congress and expressed uncertainty about the way forward for their relationship.
“I’ve always liked Elon. And so I was very surprised. You saw the words he had for me, and he hasn’t said anything about me that’s bad. I’d rather have him criticize me than the bill. Because the bill is incredible,” Trump mentioned throughout an Oval Workplace assembly with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
“Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will any more,” Trump added.
Trump mentioned Musk, the CEO of Tesla and an in depth adviser, was upset in regards to the repeal of an electrical car tax credit score. Trump argued Musk was conscious of the coverage “from the beginning.”
“He knew every aspect of this bill. He knew it better than almost anybody. And he never had a problem until right after he left,” Trump mentioned. “I’m very disappointed in Elon. I’ve helped Elon a lot.”
Musk responded with a submit on his social platform X a short while after Trump’s remarks, repeating his assertion {that a} invoice can’t be “both big and beautiful.”
“Whatever. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill,” Musk posted.
“In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that [is] both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this!” he continued. “Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill. Slim and beautiful is the way.”
Musk, who spent thousands and thousands of {dollars} backing Trump’s election in 2024 and led the Division of Authorities Effectivity, exited the administration final Friday after his time as a particular authorities worker expired. He was despatched off with an Oval Workplace press occasion alongside Trump the place he vowed to stay a buddy and adviser.
However the Tesla CEO has spent the times since leaving the federal government ramping up criticisms of the One Large Stunning Invoice Act, a large reconciliation package deal that handed the Home and incorporates key items of Trump’s agenda.
By Wednesday afternoon, Musk was urging lawmakers to “kill the bill.”
A day earlier, he railed towards the laws in a submit on X, which he owns, calling it “an abomination” and “pork-filled” resulting from its results on federal deficits.
“In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people,” Musk wrote in a separate submit, whereas sharing one other that highlighted criticisms of Republican lawmakers.
Up to date at 12:32 p.m. EDT
