Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 8: US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to former advisor Elon Musk, threatening ‘very serious consequences’ if the tech billionaire backs primary challenges against Republican lawmakers who support a controversial spending bill.
The explosive remarks came amid a spectacular public falling out between Trump and Musk this week, marked by a barrage of social media attacks. The dispute ignited after Musk criticized Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ spending bill an important piece of legislation currently before Congress as an ‘abomination.’
Several GOP lawmakers opposing the bill reportedly sought Musk’s financial support to challenge fellow Republicans who vote in favor of the legislation, triggering Trump’s warning. “He’ll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that,” Trump told NBC News on Saturday, though he did not specify what those consequences might be.
The former President also branded Musk ‘disrespectful’ and stated he has no intention to reconcile or speak with him, despite their previously close ties. Just last week, Trump had praised Musk as he stepped down from his role heading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
However, the relationship quickly unraveled after Musk’s harsh criticism of the spending bill, leading to an intense war of words in the Oval Office and on social media platforms.
Despite the heated exchanges, both Trump and Musk appeared to slightly soften their stances on Friday, with Trump wishing Musk well publicly and Musk reciprocating the sentiment on his platform X.
The row also involved Musk’s explosive but unsubstantiated allegation linking Trump to unreleased government files related to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Musk claimed the president was featured in these files, alleging that is why they have not been made public.
Trump dismissed the claim as “old news,” pointing out that even Epstein’s lawyer said he had no involvement. Trump acknowledged knowing Epstein socially and described him as a “terrific guy” in past comments but denied any wrongdoing or association with Epstein’s criminal activities.
The controversy underscores the fragility of the alliance between political powerhouses and tech magnates, with serious political and economic implications looming as their feud continues to unfold.