Donald Trump says ‘very disenchanted’ by Elon Musk’s criticism of mega-bill, calls him a ‘surprise’; future of ties uncertain

US President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed uncommon public disappointment in billionaire Elon Musk, signaling a potential rupture of their once-friendly relationship after Musk sharply criticized Trump’s flagship coverage invoice.“Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore. I was surprised,” Trump mentioned within the Oval Office, reacting to Musk’s assertion earlier this week through which he known as the laws an “abomination.”

The invoice in query, extensively thought of Trump’s financial centerpiece for his second time period, consists of sweeping tax breaks for manufacturing and vitality firms, coupled with a sequence of deregulation measures. While many on Wall Street and within the Republican Party have rallied behind it, Musk broke ranks, blasting it on social media as a bloated handout bundle that distorts innovation.Though Musk didn’t point out Trump by title, the president took the remarks personally.Trump mentioned he and Musk haven’t spoken for the reason that feedback. “He knew every aspect of this bill. He knew it better than almost anybody, and he never had a problem until right after he left,” the president mentioned.“I’ve always supported Elon. SpaceX, Tesla, those are incredible companies,” Trump mentioned. “But I don’t understand how someone who benefited so much from American policy can turn around and call the bill that helps American industry an abomination.”A supply conversant in the dynamic informed CNN that Trump and Musk have had no direct communication for the reason that latter’s remarks, additional underlining the obvious collapse of their alliance.Trump additionally urged that whereas Musk has up to now avoided attacking him personally, that will change. “I’m sure that’ll be next,” he mentioned. “But I’m very disappointed in Elon. I’ve helped Elon a lot.”The fallout is shocking given the historical past between the 2 males. Musk had beforehand praised Trump’s stance on lowering authorities pink tape and joined his enterprise advisory council early in his presidency, solely to resign in 2017 over local weather disagreements.In current months, the 2 appeared to develop nearer once more, with Trump touting Musk’s “genius” and Musk defending Trump’s return to social media platforms.Now, that alliance seems strained.“It’s not personal,” Musk posted shortly after Trump’s feedback. “It’s policy. Good policy creates innovation. Bad policy props up inefficiency. I won’t apologize for saying so.”For now, Trump says the door isn’t closed, however the temperature has dropped. We’ll see,” he mentioned. “But I was very disappointed.”