Trump casts doubt on future relationship with Musk: 'I don't know'

Though the bill already passed the House, Republicans can ill afford defections in the upper chamber.

By Ben Whedon

Published: June 5, 2025 12:23pm

President Donald Trump on Thursday cast doubt on the future of his relationship with Elon Musk after the former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chief publicly opposed the "big, beautiful bill" for failing to materially address the deficit.

"I can understand why he's upset," Trump said. "Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore. I was surprised," Trump said during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office.

"He said wonderful things about me...he's worn the hat, 'Trump was right about everything,' and I am right about the great Big Beautiful Bill."

The bill in question is subject to the reconciliation process and is limited in the spending it may address without requiring 60-votes in the Senate. Some Senate Republicans, including Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., have voiced their opposition and demanded deeper cuts.

Though the bill already passed the House, Republicans can ill-afford defections in the upper chamber.