Former President Donald Trump brushed aside tensions with tech billionaire Elon Musk on Friday, shifting the focus to his polling numbers and a robust jobs report instead of addressing recent personal criticisms from Musk directly.
“Nothing catches me by surprise. Nothing,” Trump stated in a phone conversation with The Post. “The numbers are through the roof, the stock market is up, billions are pouring in from tariffs, and my poll numbers are the highest they’ve ever been. Other than that, what can I tell you, right?”
The public dispute erupted from Musk’s criticism of the Trump-supported “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” estimated to increase the federal deficit by approximately $3 trillion over a decade.
“He knew the bill as well as anybody,” Trump said, referring to Musk. “The bill is great. It’s going to pass, and it’s going to be great for everybody, including him.”
Despite Musk’s recent criticisms and suggestion that Trump should face impeachment, a senior House GOP aide clarified that the White House has not directed Congress to respond aggressively or defend Trump publicly.
“The White House hasn’t asked us to take any shots at Musk or to defend Trump,” the aide explained, emphasizing that Trump’s team prefers to maintain control of public messaging without external interference.
The aide attributed Musk’s recent confrontational stance partly to frustrations following a difficult earnings report for Tesla and the failure of his efforts to cut more than $1 trillion through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which faced strong opposition in Congress.
Additionally, Musk’s criticism intensified after Trump removed Musk ally Jared Isaacman from leadership consideration at NASA. Musk subsequently accused Trump of withholding sensitive information about Jeffrey Epstein, claims which the GOP aide dismissed as speculative and without foundation.
While some speculate the feud could affect Republican fundraising efforts, the House aide predicted a quick resolution, asserting that the dispute is likely temporary and personal rather than politically damaging long-term.
“We all assume it could come to a speedy truce faster than any politician could get involved,” they concluded.
