Trump and Musk feud escalates with personal attacks and political fallout – The National News Desk
by KRISTINE FRAZAO | The National News Desk
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WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump is attempting to move past his ongoing feud with Elon Musk, telling CNN on Friday that he is "not even thinking about Elon" and describing Musk as someone who has "got a problem. The poor guy's got a problem." Trump also told ABC he is not "particularly interested in talking to" Musk, whom he referred to as "the man who has lost his mind."
The president is reportedly considering selling the red Tesla he purchased after a photo opportunity intended to support Musk amid protests over Musk's collaboration with Trump. Musk officially and amicably left his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency last week. However, tensions rose when Musk criticized Trump's legacy legislation, the "Big Beautiful Bill," calling it "a disgusting abomination."
"Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore," Trump said.
The disagreement over legislative differences quickly devolved into personal attacks. On Thursday, Trump took to social media, suggesting that "the easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts."
Musk retaliated by accusing the administration of withholding information about convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, alleging, "Donald Trump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public."
Trump's allies were swift to defend him and choose sides. Representative Tim Burchett said, "I'm on President Trump's side. He's our president. He's our commander in chief. Elon Musk is a private citizen. He's allowed to say anything he wants to say and that's, uh, within his First Amendment rights."
Steve Bannon added, "You pull the government contracts and we'll see how tough this guy is, and that’s what should be done right now."
Despite the fallout, some Republicans remain hopeful for reconciliation. Representative Mike Johnson expressed optimism, saying, "I believe in redemption and I think it'll all work out."