Donald Trump Warns of 'Serious Consequences' if Elon Musk Backs Democrats

 

Trump Warns Elon Musk of ‘Serious Consequences’ if He Backs Democrats

President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Elon Musk during a Saturday interview with NBC News, suggesting the billionaire could face “very serious consequences” if he begins supporting Democratic candidates following their recent falling out.

The escalating feud between Trump and Musk began after the Tesla and SpaceX CEO publicly criticized the president’s signature legislation, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Musk condemned the bill as “outrageous” and “pork-filled,” labeling it a “disgusting abomination.”

Trump initially refrained from responding but broke his silence on Thursday, calling Musk “crazy” and accusing him of having “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Musk, in turn, fired back on social media, alleging Trump was named in the Epstein files—a claim White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed as “an unfortunate episode.”

Speculation has grown that Musk might retaliate against Trump by financially backing Democratic candidates. The former president warned against that move, telling NBC News: “If he does, he'll have to pay the consequences for that… very serious consequences.”

When asked whether he was open to mending ties with Musk, Trump bluntly replied, “No,” adding he assumed the relationship was effectively over after the public fallout.

Trump also criticized Musk’s performance during his time leading the now-defunct Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), saying the billionaire had become “worn thin” and “disrespectful to the office of the President.” He emphasized that he had no intention of speaking with Musk again, stating, “You could not disrespect the office of the President.”

As tensions grew, Musk stirred further controversy by asking his followers on X (formerly Twitter) whether the U.S. needed a third political party. Over 80% of respondents said yes. Musk followed up by declaring, “The people have spoken. A new political party is needed in America to represent the 80% in the middle! This is fate.”

Meanwhile, Fox News reported that Trump remained unfazed by the idea of a Musk-backed third party. In a call with Fox host Bret Baier, summarized by Kayleigh McEnany, Trump reportedly said he wasn’t concerned and cited his strong polling and support among Republicans on Capitol Hill.

A YouGov poll conducted June 6 among 3,812 adults showed Trump commanding 71% of Republican support. Just 6% favored Musk, while 12% preferred neither and 11% remained undecided.

Responding to Musk’s grievances, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Newsweek: “This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is upset the One Big Beautiful Bill doesn’t reflect his personal policy goals. The President is focused on passing this historic legislation and making our country great again.”

Trump also took to Truth Social to defend the bill and lash out at Musk. “I don't mind Elon turning against me, but he should’ve done it months ago,” Trump wrote. “This is one of the greatest bills ever presented to Congress—a record $1.6 trillion cut in expenses and the biggest tax cut ever. If it doesn’t pass, taxes could go up 68%, and much worse will follow.”

He continued, “Elon was ‘wearing thin.’ I asked him to leave. I revoked his EV mandate—he knew I would—and he just went CRAZY!”

Trump has urged Senate Republicans to pass the bill and deliver it to his desk by July 4, positioning the legislation as a key component of his broader agenda to, once again, “Make America Great Again.”