President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to tech billionaire Elon Musk, threatening “serious consequences” if Musk supports Democratic candidates in future elections. The ultimatum, delivered amid a public feud between the two former allies, underscores the high stakes of their falling-out and raises questions about the intersection of politics and business.
A Dire Warning
In a June 7, 2025, phone interview with NBC News, Trump made it clear that he would not tolerate Musk backing Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections. “If he does, he’ll have to pay the consequences for that,” Trump told reporter Kristen Welker, declining to specify what those consequences might entail. However, with Musk’s companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, holding significant federal contracts, the threat carries weight. Trump hinted at this leverage, noting that canceling these contracts could be an “easy way to save money.”
The warning comes as Musk, once a key supporter of Trump’s 2024 campaign, has signaled a potential shift in his political allegiance. Last month, Musk stated he planned to reduce his political spending, saying, “I do not currently see a reason” to continue funding campaigns. His recent criticism of a GOP-led spending bill, which he called a “disgusting abomination” for its projected $2.4 trillion deficit increase, has further strained his relationship with Trump.
From Allies to Adversaries
The rift between Trump and Musk erupted into public view this week, fueled by a heated exchange on social media. Musk’s now-deleted posts on X included baseless claims linking Trump to Jeffrey Epstein and a call for the president’s impeachment. Trump retaliated on Truth Social, labeling Musk “crazy” and accusing him of disrespecting the presidency. The president also dismissed any hope of reconciliation, stating, “I have no intention of speaking to him. I’m too busy doing other things.”
The feud marks a sharp departure from their once-close partnership. Musk spent over $250 million supporting Trump’s 2024 campaign and briefly led the Department of Government Efficiency, overseeing controversial federal layoffs. His exit from the administration last month, driven by disagreements over the GOP’s spending bill, set the stage for the current conflict.
Political and Economic Stakes
Trump’s warning to Musk highlights the president’s willingness to use his authority to target critics, especially those with significant government ties. SpaceX, for instance, relies on federal contracts for its space exploration projects, making it vulnerable to retribution. Trump’s suggestion that he could terminate these contracts has raised concerns about the politicization of business dealings.
Vice President JD Vance, in an interview with comedian Theo Von, called Musk’s attacks on Trump a “huge mistake” but expressed hope that the billionaire might “come back into the fold.” Vance acknowledged Musk’s frustration with the legislative process but defended the GOP bill, emphasizing its goal of extending the 2017 tax cuts.
A Broader Impact
Trump’s threat to Musk could have far-reaching implications. Musk’s influence, both through his wealth and ownership of X, makes him a formidable player in U.S. politics. If he chooses to support Democrats, it could shift resources and attention in the 2026 midterms, challenging Republican dominance. Conversely, Trump’s warning signals his readiness to wield executive power against perceived enemies, a move that could ripple through the business and political spheres.
For now, the Trump-Musk feud remains a flashpoint, with the president’s warning serving as a clear message: political loyalty comes at a cost, and crossing him could prove costly for even the world’s richest man.
