Trump warns Musk: Democratic funding will have serious consequences
US President Donald Trump has said technology tycoon Ilon Musk will face « serious consequences » if it funds democratic candidates to oppose Republicans who support his comprehensive tax and spending law.
In a telephone conversation with NBC News, Trump did not specify what these consequences would be, saying only: « If he does, he will have to bear the consequences, very serious consequences. »
Trump said he did not intend to correct his relationship with Musk after their public dispute this week. Asked if it was the end of their relationship, he replied, « I guess it’s. »
He added that he was too busy with other obligations and there were no plans to talk to Musk, accusing him of « disrespecting the presidency ».
The conflict escalated after Musk issued a series of criticism against Trump on Thursday, including a deleted announcement claiming that Trump’s name was mentioned in Jeffrey Epstein’s documents, convicted sex offender. Trump has dismissed these claims as « old news » and noted that even Epstein’s lawyer confirmed that he had nothing to do with the case. Musk also deleted a post calling for Trump’s dismissal.
According to the Washington Post, Trump privately called Musk « a big drug addict », citing his use of Ketamine, which Musk claims to have been prescribed depression. The White House said Musk’s alleged concerns about alleged drug use is one of the factors that caused the dispute. However, Trump was restrained in public attacks against Musk, unlike his usual sharp reactions to critics.
Despite tensions, Trump said he would not abolish federal agreements with Musk companies such as Tesla and Space, though he added that he could.
He stressed that the Republican Party was « more uneasy than ever » and that the dispute with Musk had even helped highlight the advantages of the proposed law.
The dispute revealed deeper cracks in the alliance between Trump and Musk, which began as a close associate of the administration in January. According to the Washington Post, Musk had conflicts with members of Trump’s cabinet, including an attempt to physical conflict with Finance Minister Scott Bilen. Republicans fear that Musk, with his huge wealth, could finance a third political party in retaliation.
White House spokeswoman Carolyn Levitt said the administration remains focused on cost and corruption reforms, despite the conflict that attracted Washington’s attention.
