Donald Trump Unleashes Fury at Elon Musk After Billionaire Vows to Target Lawmakers Supporting New Spending Bill

In a political clash that is sending shockwaves through Washington and Silicon Valley, former President Donald Trump has delivered a scorching response to Elon Musk, after the tech mogul publicly pledged to go after lawmakers supporting Trump’s newly endorsed fiscal bill. The clash marks a rare, personal confrontation between two of the most influential figures in American public life—and one that could reshape political alliances in the 2026 midterms.

The Spark: Musk’s Warning Shot

It all began late Saturday night when Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), posted a thread criticizing what he called “reckless fiscal behavior” tied to a new economic package pushed by Trump-aligned lawmakers. The bill, known among insiders as the “American Prosperity & Patriot Act,” seeks to increase infrastructure investment by $2.7 trillion over the next ten years—while providing broad tax cuts to small businesses and working-class families.

Musk, a vocal advocate of reduced government spending and fiscal responsibility, didn’t mince words.

“If you vote for this bill, you’re not conservative. You’re a coward, and you’re up for replacement. Simple,” Musk wrote to his 184 million followers.
“No more fake fiscal hawks. We’ll make sure your constituents know exactly what you did.”

He accompanied the post with a mock campaign poster that showed faces of GOP lawmakers rumored to support the bill, captioned: “#PrimaryThemAll.”

Trump Fires Back

Within 12 hours, Trump responded in classic fashion via Truth Social, labeling Musk as “a glorified welfare billionaire” who owes his success to government subsidies and tax incentives.

“Elon Musk has made billions thanks to the American taxpayer. He’s the LAST person who should lecture real patriots about how to fix this country,” Trump wrote.
“If he’s so upset about investment in America, maybe he should move Tesla to China permanently.”

In a follow-up video posted Sunday afternoon, Trump accused Musk of trying to “play kingmaker” without understanding the needs of ordinary Americans.

“I built this economy once, and we’re going to do it again. Elon wants to tear it down because it doesn’t suit his bottom line.”

The former president also noted Musk’s shifting political allegiances, saying: “He was a Democrat, then a Republican, now who knows what he is—except someone who likes the sound of his own voice.”

A Brewing Feud, Years in the Making

While this is the most direct confrontation between Trump and Musk to date, tensions between the two men have been quietly growing for years. Musk briefly served as an economic advisor during Trump’s first term before resigning in 2017 over climate policy disagreements. Since then, their interactions have alternated between cordial and combative.

Trump has occasionally praised Musk’s innovations, even calling him a “genius” during rallies. But their visions for America’s economic future sharply diverge—particularly around government spending, trade, and industrial policy.

While Trump favors massive federal investment to rebuild manufacturing and infrastructure, Musk supports deregulation and minimalist government intervention. Their conflict is emblematic of a larger ideological schism within the conservative movement itself.

Republican Party Caught in the Crossfire

The political ramifications of this spat could be substantial. Many Republican lawmakers are now torn between their loyalty to Trump—still the dominant force in GOP politics—and their admiration for Musk, who commands a massive online following and significant influence over younger libertarian voters.

Rep. Lisa McCullen (R-AZ), a rising conservative voice, commented on the situation during a Sunday interview:

“We shouldn’t be forced to choose between two visionaries. The real issue is passing a bill that helps Americans without deepening our debt. That’s where the debate should be.”

But not all were as diplomatic. Sen. Rick Granger (R-TX), whose district includes a major Tesla factory, criticized Musk for “threatening sitting members of Congress like some kind of tech overlord.”

“If you want to run for office, run. Don’t play games with people’s reputations just because you don’t like a bill.”

Musk’s Next Move

Despite the blowback, Musk appears undeterred. On Monday morning, he doubled down by announcing a new political action committee, “Future First,” aimed at supporting candidates who pledge to reduce federal spending and oppose “corporate favoritism masked as patriotism.”

In a press release, Musk wrote:

“America doesn’t need nostalgia. It needs courage, science, and a backbone. That’s who we’re backing in 2026.”

He has already hinted at endorsing several candidates in key swing districts, including some who are openly critical of Trump-era policies.

What’s at Stake

For Trump, the stakes are high. His proposed bill is central to his campaign for a second non-consecutive term in 2028 and forms the core of his pitch to working-class voters. Losing momentum—or support from key lawmakers—could damage his platform.

For Musk, the battle is more ideological. He sees himself as a guardian of the “rational center” and a counterweight to populism, whether from the left or the right. But taking on Trump directly is a risky gamble, even for someone with his resources and reach.

The Road Ahead

As the political calendar heads toward the 2026 midterms, the Trump-Musk feud may redefine power dynamics within the GOP. Both figures enjoy passionate followings, but only one can shape the party’s direction.

In the words of longtime political analyst Maria Falcón:

“This isn’t just about a bill. It’s about who gets to define what conservatism means in the post-Trump era—and whether the future belongs to Silicon Valley or Rust Belt America.”