Trump says he and Musk "had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore'

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Michael Kappeler/Pool/AFP by way of Getty Pictures President Trump on Thursday mentioned he was shocked that his former adviser Elon Musk is scorching the Republican megabill advancing most of Trump's largest home coverage priorities, however mentioned he thought Musk was improper and conflicted in his criticism.

"Elon and I had an awesome relationship. I do not know if we are going to anymore," Trump informed reporters within the Oval Workplace.

"He is worn that hat, 'Trump was proper about every part' -- and I'm proper concerning the nice massive, lovely, invoice," Trump mentioned.

He mentioned Musk "knew the inside workings of this invoice higher than virtually anyone" and "by no means had an issue till proper after he left." On X, Musk rapidly countered, claiming "this invoice was by no means proven to me even as soon as."

Musk, who for months led the Trump administration's government-slashing unit till he left the position final week, has been actively attacking the megabill for days, calling it "pork-filled" and a "disgusting abomination."

"In the complete historical past of civilization, there has by no means been laws that each massive and delightful," Musk posted Thursday. "Everybody is aware of this! Both you get an enormous and ugly invoice or a slim and delightful invoice. Slim and delightful is the way in which."

Trump mentioned he thought Musk was upset as a result of the invoice proposes to chop subsidies for electrical automobiles, a coverage that will have an effect on his firm Tesla, and since Trump pulled his nominee for NASA on Saturday. That choose, Jared Isaacman, had been advisable by Musk, and the nomination had cleared committee and was awaiting Senate affirmation. Isaacman is a good friend of Musk, and his on-line cost firm, Shift 4, has monetary ties to SpaceX. On Thursday, Trump recommended he did not suppose the connection "was acceptable."

He famous that Musk had solely had optimistic issues to say upon leaving the Oval Workplace final week. "You noticed a person who was very completely happy when he stood behind the Oval desk. And even with the black eye — I mentioned, 'You need just a little make-up? We'll get you there to make up,' however he mentioned, 'No, I do not suppose so.' Which is fascinating and really good. He needs to be who he's," Trump mentioned.

Trump mentioned he thought that Musk missed being a part of the motion on the White Home, and mentioned he was much like different former staffers who go away to turn out to be critics.

"They go away, they usually get up within the morning, and the glamor is gone. The entire world is totally different, they usually turn out to be hostile, I do not know what it's," Trump mentioned.

After Trump spoke, Musk posted on X that "with out me, Trump would have misplaced the election, Demos would management the Home and the Republicans can be 51-49 within the Senate."