US President Donald Trump has played down his public fallout with Elon Musk, saying he holds “no hard feelings” despite being “disappointed” by the billionaire’s recent criticism.The remarks come amid an increasingly visible feud between the two, after the Tesla CEO took aim at a $1.5 trillion spending bill backed by Trump, calling it reckless. The legislation includes significant tax cuts, which Trump has described as a cornerstone of his economic agenda.
Speaking in a television interview, Trump expressed surprise at Musk’s stance. “I was really surprised that happened,” he said. “He went after a bill that’s phenomenal. It’s the best thing we signed in the country. When he did that, I was not a happy camper.”
Trump maintained that he hasn’t given the matter much thought recently, but suggested that Musk might now regret his criticism. “I think he feels very badly,” Trump said. “I was disappointed in him, but it is what happens. I don’t blame him for anything.”When asked whether a reconciliation was possible, Trump responded: “I guess I could, but we have to straighten out the country.”
Speaking in a television interview, Trump expressed surprise at Musk’s stance. “I was really surprised that happened,” he said. “He went after a bill that’s phenomenal. It’s the best thing we signed in the country. When he did that, I was not a happy camper.”
Trump maintained that he hasn’t given the matter much thought recently, but suggested that Musk might now regret his criticism. “I think he feels very badly,” Trump said. “I was disappointed in him, but it is what happens. I don’t blame him for anything.”When asked whether a reconciliation was possible, Trump responded: “I guess I could, but we have to straighten out the country.”
The pair had previously maintained a cordial, if occasionally tense, relationship. Musk served on two of Trump’s advisory councils during his presidency, but stepped down in 2017 over the US withdrawal from the Paris climate accord. More recently, Musk has expressed support for several of Trump’s political rivals, fuelling further speculation about the growing rift between them.
Also read: Elon Musk vs Donald Trump: Tesla CEO deletes ‘Epstein files’ & other tweets. Is a ‘patch-up’ on cards?
