US President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed rare public disappointment in billionaire Elon Musk, signaling a possible rupture in their once-friendly relationship after Musk sharply criticized Trump’s flagship policy bill.“Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore. I was surprised,” Trump said in the Oval Office, reacting to Musk’s statement earlier this week in which he called the legislation an “abomination.”
The bill in question, widely considered Trump’s economic centerpiece for his second term, includes sweeping tax breaks for manufacturing and energy companies, coupled with a series of deregulation measures. While many on Wall Street and in the Republican Party have rallied behind it, Musk broke ranks, blasting it on social media as a bloated handout package that distorts innovation.Though Musk didn’t mention Trump by name, the president took the remarks personally.Trump said he and Musk have not spoken since the comments. “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 said.“I’ve always supported Elon. SpaceX, Tesla, those are incredible companies,” Trump said. “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 source familiar with the dynamic told CNN that Trump and Musk have had no direct communication since the latter’s remarks, further underlining the apparent collapse of their alliance.Trump also suggested that while Musk has so far refrained from attacking him personally, that may change. “I’m sure that’ll be next,” he said. “But I’m very disappointed in Elon. I’ve helped Elon a lot.”The fallout is surprising given the history between the two men. Musk had previously praised Trump’s stance on reducing government red tape and joined his business advisory council early in his presidency, only to resign in 2017 over climate disagreements.In recent months, the two appeared to grow closer again, with Trump touting Musk’s “genius” and Musk defending Trump’s return to social media platforms.Now, that alliance appears strained.“It’s not personal,” Musk posted shortly after Trump’s comments. “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, but the temperature has dropped. We’ll see,” he said. “But I was very disappointed.”
