Trump, Musk trade barbs as spending bill dispute continues
WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — President Donald Trump hit back at criticism from former adviser Elon Musk on Thursday, saying Musk knew what was in his 'big, beautiful' spending bill and only stopped supporting it once he learned of cuts related to electric vehicle funding.
While meeting with new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump said he was 'very disappointed' with Musk after the billionaire former supporter and adviser turned on the Republican-backed spending bill. 'I've helped Elon a lot,' Trump said.
Musk, whose company Tesla is the nation's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, has called the bill a 'disgusting abomination.'
'We have a deal,' Trump says, after trade talks with China's Xi
Trump said he was unsure if he would continue to have a great relationship with Musk, a powerful ally who has led efforts to reduce government spending. He suggested Musk misses being in the White House and has 'Trump derangement syndrome.'
Trump said Musk hasn't said anything 'bad' about him but predicts 'that'll be next.'
As Trump was speaking from the Oval Office, Musk posted to his social platform, X, 'Slim Beautiful Bill for the win.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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