This was unexpected.
Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump is extending an olive branch to one of his loudest critics—tech billionaire Elon Musk—even as the Tesla CEO launches fresh attacks on Trump’s signature “America First” economic legislation.
In a Sunday Fox News interview with Maria Bartiromo, President Trump called Musk a “wonderful guy,” despite the mogul’s recent fiery remarks about the new Senate-backed version of Trump’s economic recovery bill.
“He’s a smart guy,” Trump said. “He campaigned with me. But he got upset—and that wasn’t appropriate.”
A Rift Over Electric Vehicle Mandates
The tension appears to stem from Trump’s pushback against federal electric vehicle (EV) mandates, which have been a central concern for Musk.
“I don’t want to force Americans to drive electric cars,” Trump told Bartiromo. “It should be your choice, not the government’s.”
Musk, who turned 54 on Saturday, slammed the revised bill in a post on X, warning that it could “destroy millions of American jobs” and cripple innovation.
“Utterly insane and destructive,” Musk wrote. “It harms the future of American energy, jobs, and global competitiveness.”
Elon Musk vs. Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’
Earlier this month, Musk publicly blasted the original version of Trump’s economic bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination filled with pork and corruption.”
“Shame on those who voted for it—you know it was wrong,” Musk posted on June 3.
The revised version of the bill—introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on Friday—includes new tax provisions and regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening U.S. industries and boosting energy independence.
However, Musk claims the bill gives too many “handouts to dying industries” while penalizing solar, wind, and electric tech projects that haven’t yet broken ground.
Trump’s Strategy: Forgiveness or Forward Thinking?
Despite the friction, Trump’s decision to praise Musk may reflect a broader strategy. By keeping the lines of communication open, President Trump is signaling leadership, not weakness.
“I haven’t talked to him much lately,” Trump said, “but I think he’ll always do well.”
Trump’s remarks contrast sharply with the usual partisan bickering in Washington, offering a more nuanced take: respecting innovation while rejecting government overreach.
What This Means for Conservative Americans
For conservative voters age 50 and up, this battle reveals a key divide in the Republican movement:
- Should we double down on proven American industries like oil, gas, and manufacturing?
- Or should taxpayer dollars support risky green energy ventures pushed by Silicon Valley elites?
- Is Trump compromising, or showing political wisdom by staying focused on jobs, freedom, and American prosperity?
Bottom Line: Trump’s Still in Charge—On His Terms
While critics may frame this as Trump “backing down,” the reality is more strategic. Trump remains focused on protecting American jobs, lowering taxes, and fighting back against extreme environmental mandates.
And if that means playing the long game with Elon Musk—so be it.
