US President Donald Trump has warned Elon Musk of “very serious consequences” if the billionaire follows through on reported efforts to punish Republican lawmakers who support a controversial spending bill currently before Congress.
In an interview with NBC News on Saturday, Trump branded Musk “disrespectful” and said he had “no intention” of mending ties with the Tesla and SpaceX chief, just days after their relationship collapsed in a bitter, highly public spat.
The fallout began after Musk fiercely criticized Trump’s “big, beautiful” spending bill, describing it as an “abomination” that could increase the national deficit. In response, Trump lashed out from the Oval Office and on social media, calling Musk “crazy” and accusing him of betrayal. The clash sent shockwaves through Washington, raising concerns over its political and economic implications.
Amid speculation that Musk could fund primary challengers against GOP lawmakers backing the bill, Trump responded: “He’ll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that.”
Though Trump did not elaborate on what those consequences might be, the threat comes as the feud threatens to upend one of the Republican Party’s most high-profile donor alliances. Musk contributed $300 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign, making him one of the party’s largest financial backers.
The dispute intensified after Musk posted — and later deleted — controversial claims linking Trump to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Musk alleged Trump’s name appeared in unreleased government documents, though he provided no evidence. The post reignited scrutiny over Trump’s past ties to Epstein, though no official wrongdoing has been linked to the president.
When asked about the accusation, Trump dismissed it as “old news,” saying even Epstein’s lawyer had cleared him of involvement.
Despite a brief moment on Friday where both sides appeared to soften — with Trump wishing Musk well and Musk responding with “Likewise” — the weekend remarks suggested tensions remain high.
The dramatic turn of events marks a sharp decline in what was once a closely aligned partnership. Musk, who recently exited his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), had been seen as a key Trump ally during his second term’s early days. Now, their rift threatens to reshape power dynamics in Washington — and possibly the future of GOP donor politics.
