Elon Musk and President Trump. (File Image/AP)
Photo : AP
Trump was asked about Musk’s comments by reporters at the White House. He said he is “surprised” and “very disappointed” with the world’s richest man. “Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” Trump said. “He said the most beautiful things about me, and he hasn’t said bad about me personally, but I’m sure that’ll be next. But I’m, I’m very disappointed in Elon. I’ve helped Elon a lot.”
President Trump and Elon Musk’s fallout started with the billionaire criticising the spending bill, claiming that it will potentially increase the government deficit. Notably, Musk, in his erstwhile role as the chief of the Department of Government Efficiency, had stressed reducing what he described as “waste” in the federal budget. Musk called the bill a “disgusting abomination” and called out the GOP Senators who voted for it. “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong,” he wrote.
Critics suggest that Musk’s opposition to the bill stems from some of its provisions that could prove to be potentially damaging for his businesses. The bill proposes removing consumer tax credits for electric vehicles, which directly impacts Musk-owned Tesla and the broader EV industry. Axios reported that Musk is frustrated by the bill’s failure to include favorable provisions for his businesses.
The GOP tax and spending bill aims to extend the 2017 tax cuts, eliminate taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits, and increase the child tax credit. It also proposes $2 trillion in spending cuts over a decade, primarily targeting Medicaid and SNAP, while allocating substantial funds to defense and border security. Critics argue it would add $2.4 trillion to the national debt and reduce health coverage for millions.
