In a row with Musk, Trump says relationship with him over, warns of serious consequences over supporting Democrats Trump-musk-row-democrats-republican-america

U.S President Donald Trump intensified his public dispute with billionaire Elon Musk on Saturday, declaring he has no intention of reconciling with the Tesla and SpaceX chief executive and hinting at “serious consequences” should Musk support Democratic candidates in the 2026 midterm elections.

In a telephone interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Trump dismissed the possibility of mending ties with Musk, a former campaign supporter. When asked if their relationship was finished, Trump replied, “I’d say so, yes. I’m focused on other priorities. I won a massive election victory, gave him plenty of support in my first term, and even saved his business. I’m not planning to talk to him.”

Trump issued a stern warning amid speculation that Musk might back Democrats in future elections. “If he does that, he’ll face the consequences,” Trump said, declining to elaborate. Musk’s companies, including SpaceX, hold significant federal contracts, making them potentially susceptible to government action. Trump has previously threatened to terminate these contracts, describing it as a cost-saving measure.

The rift, which marks a shift from alliance to animosity, erupted this week when Musk publicly opposed Trump’s proposed legislation, dubbed the “big beautiful bill,” pending in Congress. Musk labelled the bill a “disgusting abomination” that would balloon the federal deficit. Trump retaliated with criticism from the Oval Office, sparking a series of vitriolic exchanges on social media that left White House aides and Republican congressional leaders grappling with the fallout.

Musk escalated tensions by suggesting Trump’s impeachment and alleging, without proof, that the administration was withholding information about Trump’s ties to notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. By Saturday morning, Musk appeared to have removed his Epstein-related posts from X, his social media platform.

Vice-President J.D. Vance sought to minimise the conflict in an interview with comedian Theo Von, taped on Thursday at a Nashville restaurant owned by Trump ally Kid Rock. Vance described Musk’s attacks as a “huge mistake” driven by emotion. “Elon’s an incredible entrepreneur, but he’s gone too far this time,” Vance said. “I hope he returns to the fold, but it may be too late after going so nuclear.”

Vance praised Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, which aimed to reduce federal spending and led to thousands of job cuts, calling it “really good.” Addressing Musk’s Epstein claims, Vance refuted them, stating, “Donald Trump had no wrongdoing with Jeffrey Epstein. These accusations are unhelpful.” He also dismissed Musk’s impeachment call as “utterly mad,” insisting, “The President is doing well.”

Vance defended the controversial bill, clarifying that its primary aim was to extend the 2017 tax cuts from Trump’s first term, despite the Congressional Budget Office projecting it would increase deficits by $2.4 trillion over a decade and leave 10.9 million people uninsured. “It’s a solid bill, though not flawless,” Vance said.

The interview, conducted with Von—who recently made controversial remarks about drug use and US Navy personnel while opening for Trump at a Qatar military base—captured Vance’s response to Musk’s posts, including one urging Trump’s replacement with Vance, which the Vice-President called “completely unhelpful.”