Trump Criticizes Elon Musk Over Opposition to Tax Bill: “I’m Deeply Disappointed”
Tensions escalate as Trump expresses frustration over Musk’s resistance to flagship tax and spending legislation, while Musk fires back, claiming credit for Trump’s 2024 win.
Watan-U.S. President Donald Trump criticized billionaire Elon Musk on Thursday, expressing “deep disappointment” over Musk’s public opposition to a comprehensive tax and spending bill central to Trump’s legislative agenda.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said:“Elon and I have had a great relationship. I don’t know if that’s still the case now.” “He’s said the nicest things about me and never personally attacked me, but I’m sure that will change. I’m very disappointed in Elon. I’ve helped him a lot.”
Trump noted that Musk strongly criticized the bill due to its proposed elimination of tax credits for electric vehicle owners, which directly affects Musk’s company, Tesla.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla, stated that he opposes the bill because it would increase the federal deficit.
Trump on Elon Musk: “You saw a man who was very happy when he stood behind the Oval desk. Even with a black eye. I said, do you want a little makeup? He said, ‘No, I don’t think so,’ which is interesting … Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore.” pic.twitter.com/I1IEo1ocuS
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 5, 2025
Trump added that despite giving Musk a warm farewell just last week after working together on federal cost-cutting initiatives, Musk now seems upset about no longer being part of the administration’s inner circle.
“He’s not the first… People leave my administration… and then, at some point, they miss it terribly. Some accept it, and some turn hostile,” Trump said.
In response, Musk attacked Trump, suggesting the president would not have won the 2024 election without his support.
Musk posted on his platform X (formerly Twitter):“Without me, Trump would have lost the election. What a lack of gratitude.”
