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By Sonam Sheth
Evening Politics Editor
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President Donald Trump weighed in Friday on billionaire Elon Musk's threat to form a new political party to challenge Democrats and Republicans.
The Context
Trump and Musk had a high-profile alliance during the 2024 campaign and during the first few months of Trump's second term, with Musk spending millions of dollars to help Trump get elected in November and Trump later tapping him to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
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But their relationship has devolved in the last several days, as Musk excoriated the Trump-backed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" as "outrageous" and "pork-filled," adding that it's a "disgusting abomination." Trump hit back at his onetime close ally, saying Musk has gone "crazy," accusing him of having "Trump derangement syndrome" and threatening to cancel government contracts with Musk's companies.
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What To Know
The SpaceX CEO on Thursday floated the idea of forming a "new political party in America that "actually represents the 80% in the middle."
Fox News reported on Friday that Trump responded to Musk's comments in a phone call with Fox News host Bret Baier, saying he's not worried about the threat.
"Trump is not interested in talking to Elon," Fox News host and former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said while summarizing the phone call. "Trump is not worried about threats of a third party....President Trump also pointed to his favorable polls and his strong support among Capitol Hill Republicans."
The White House confirmed Friday that Trump has no plans to contact Musk. Trump also plans to sell the Tesla he bought earlier this year that was once showcased on the White House lawn as a symbol of the president's alignment with Musk.
Musk's feud with the president has laid bare the divisions within the Republican Party over the spending package Trump is championing that's working its way through Congress.
The bill passed the Republican-controlled House by one vote last month and is being debated in the Senate, with a number of Republicans saying they won't vote to pass it in its current form because it could hurt their constituents.
Musk, meanwhile, says the bill will balloon the federal deficit, a view that's been publicly backed by fiscal hawks like GOP representatives Thomas Massie and Warren Davidson, both of whom voted against the spending package in the House.
What People Are Saying
Trump posted to Truth Social on Thursday: "I don't mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago. This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress. It's a Record Cut in Expenses, $1.6 Trillion Dollars, and the Biggest Tax Cut ever given. If this Bill doesn't pass, there will be a 68% Tax Increase, and things far worse than that. I didn't create this mess, I'm just here to FIX IT. This puts our Country on a Path of Greatness. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
What Happens Next
The Senate is debating the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which Trump said he wants on his desk to sign by July 4.
Update 6/6/25 3:53 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information.
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