New Delhi: In a dramatic escalation of tensions between two of America’s most influential figures, US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to tech billionaire Elon Musk, cautioning him against supporting Democratic candidates in the upcoming elections. Trump said Musk would face “very serious consequences” if he were to fund efforts to oust Republicans who support the administration’s contentious budget bill.
Speaking in an interview with NBC News, Trump said: “If Elon decides to back the Democrats, especially those trying to take down our conservative allies, he’ll have to pay very serious consequences. Nobody gets a free pass when they play against the people.”
Musk criticises Trump-backed policies
The remarks come amid growing rifts between Trump and Musk, once perceived as political allies. Their fallout has been increasingly visible in recent months, with Musk criticising several Trump-backed policies and allegedly holding private talks with Democratic strategists. According to reports, Musk have hinted that he is considering financially supporting a centrist third-party bloc or moderate Democrats in key battleground states.
Political observers note that this public warning from the President signals deeper fractures in the Republican donor ecosystem, particularly as Silicon Valley figures become more vocal about social and environmental issues that clash with the Trump administration’s agenda.
Major implications for 2026 midterms
The fallout may have major implications as the 2026 midterms approach, with both parties vying for control of Congress. Musk’s influence, both as a billionaire and a cultural figure with a massive social media reach, could prove critical in shaping voter sentiment.
Meanwhile, the Tesla CEO has deleted his post on X that claimed Trump was involved in the Epstein files. Musk has also claimed that the 2024 US election was won by Trump due to his efforts and referred to Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” as a “disgusting abomination”.
