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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, issued a stern warning to Elon Musk, suggesting that the tech magnate could face "serious consequences" if he chooses to support Democratic candidates in the 2026 legislative elections.
In an interview with NBC, Trump noted that his former ally and campaign benefactor might be considering supporting opposing lawmakers and that this decision would not go unchallenged.
"If he does it, he will have to face the consequences for that," the president declared, although he avoided specifying what kind of reprisals he was referring to, emphasizing that they would be "very serious."
Musk's companies—such as Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink—hold substantial contracts with the federal government, making them particularly vulnerable to political decisions from the White House.
The relationship between Trump and Musk, once close, has rapidly deteriorated in recent days.
During a phone interview with Kristen Welker, Trump stated that he has no intention of reconciling with the businessman. When asked if the relationship was broken, he replied, "I guess so, sure."
"I am too busy doing other things. I gave him many opportunities during my first term, and I saved his life... I have no intention of speaking with him," he emphasized.
The conflict intensified after Musk publicly criticized the tax bill promoted by Trump, which he described as a "repugnant abomination" that will increase the federal deficit.
This was accompanied by a series of posts on X, where Musk went on to link Trump to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. "The truth will come to light," he stated, but later deleted those messages.
Trump downplayed the accusations, calling them "old news" and emphasizing that even Epstein's lawyer stated that he had no involvement in the case.
Nonetheless, the president accused Musk of "being disrespectful to the office of the president" and asserted that he will not tolerate such attacks.
Meanwhile, Republican leaders are trying to downplay the dispute.
Vice President JD Vance labeled Musk's attitude as a "great mistake," but noted that the entrepreneur is an "emotional guy" who may have reacted impulsively. "I think if Elon calmed down a bit, everything would be fine," he added.
According to a report by AP, despite the tension, Vance defended both Trump and the bill at the center of the conflict, arguing that its aim is to extend the tax cuts from 2017.
However, the Congressional Budget Office has warned that the proposal could leave millions without health insurance and increase the deficit by more than two trillion dollars over the next decade.
The confrontation between Trump and Musk has turned into a political spectacle with economic, technological, and electoral implications.
In the context of a heated contest for control of Congress in 2026, the rift between the president and one of the world's most influential business leaders is expected to continue stirring controversy.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Conflict between Donald Trump and Elon Musk
Why did Donald Trump threaten Elon Musk with "serious consequences"?
Donald Trump threatened Elon Musk with "serious consequences" if he decides to support Democratic candidates in the 2026 legislative elections. This warning comes amid rising tensions between the two, with Musk criticizing Trump's fiscal plan and suggesting that the president is mentioned in the Epstein case files. Trump's threats also imply potential repercussions for the government contracts that benefit Musk and his companies.
How has this conflict affected Elon Musk's companies?
Tesla's shares plummeted by 15% on the New York Stock Exchange amid fears that the federal government may cancel key contracts and subsidies related to the energy transition. This represents a significant economic blow to Musk's empire, which includes companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink, all of which have substantial contractual ties to the federal government.
What role did the Epstein case play in the dispute between Trump and Musk?
The Epstein case has been a point of tension in the dispute between Trump and Musk. Musk publicly stated that Trump appears in the files of the Jeffrey Epstein case, suggesting that this could be the reason why such documents have not been disclosed. Although Musk later deleted his tweet in which he made these claims, the issue has been a catalyst in the deterioration of the relationship between the two.
What political consequences could arise from the rift between Trump and Musk?
The rift between Trump and Musk could have significant political consequences, especially in the context of the 2026 legislative elections. Musk has hinted that he might use his fortune to support candidates who oppose the Republicans who backed Trump's tax law. This could shift the balance of power in Congress and affect political alliances moving forward.
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