War of words over big bill intensifies between Musk, Trump
The most prominent divide in the relationship between Musk and Trump is the president's big bill. Musk ramped up his criticism of the bill just three days ago, arguing the legislation that Republican senators are scrambling to pass would kill jobs and bog down burgeoning industries.
Musk, who is also CEO of SpaceX, posted on X on Saturday that the bill would be 'political suicide for the Republican Party.'
With the Senate working its way through a tense overnight session that dragged into Tuesday, Musk suggested he will work to get members of Congress who vote for the bill out of their seats next year.
'Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame,' he wrote on X. 'And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.'
The post was viewed 26 million times on the social media platform.
A few hours later, Musk followed up with a post claiming he will create a new political party if the bill passes.
'If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day,' he wrote. 'Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so that the people actually have a VOICE.'
Musk's post about the America Party was viewed 32 million times on X.
For his part, Trump focused some of his criticisms of Musk on EV mandates and subsidies. In a post on Truth Social early Tuesday morning, Trump said Musk has known that he's against an EV mandate and that people should not be forced to own electric vehicles.
'Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa,' Trump wrote.
The President went on to say that there could be some cost savings for the nation.
'No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!' Trump posted.
Several hours later, while standing on the White House lawn before heading to Florida, Trump continued to discuss what he believes is Musk's displeasure with potentially losing EV subsidies.
'He's very upset. You know, he can lose a lot more than that, I'll tell you right now,' Trump said. 'Elon can lose a lot more than that.'
The President also cautioned Musk on the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which the billionaire used to lead.
'DOGE could be the monster that turns around and eats Elon,' Trump said.
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