US President Donald Trump has threatened his former adviser Elon Musk with “serious consequences” if the tech billionaire decides to punish Republicans who vote for the controversial spending bill.
The dramatic breakdown in relations between the two came in an extremely bitter manner this week.
 The abrupt breakup of the relationship — largely played out on social media in front of millions — was triggered by Musk's sharp criticism of what Trump called a “big, beautiful” budget bill currently being considered in Congress.
Some lawmakers opposed to the bill called on Musk, one of the Republican Party's biggest financial donors during last year's presidential election, to fund opponents of Republicans who supported the legislation.
“He's going to have a very big consequence if he does that,” Trump, who called Musk “disrespectful,” told NBC, without specifying what those consequences would be. He added that he had no desire to restore relations with the South African-born founder of Tesla and SpaceX and had no intention of talking to him.
Just a week ago, Trump sent a congratulatory message to Musk when he left his position as chief executive of the so-called Government Efficiency Office (DOGE).
However, their relationship fell apart within days after Musk called the bill “disgusting.” Trump's response came in an angry speech in the Oval Office, after which the conflict escalated and left Washington in shock. Given the real political and economic risks of their conflict, the two appeared to take steps back on Friday — Trump told reporters, “I just wish him success,” while Musk responded on the X platform: “You too.” | BGNES