Trump Warns Elon Musk of "Serious Consequences" Over Opposition to GOP Legislative Agenda

President Donald Trump walks to Marine One on the South Lawn as he departs the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 6, 2025

Former President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Elon Musk, threatening “very serious consequences” if the billionaire backs primary challengers against Republicans who support Trump’s legislative package on tax reform and border security.

“If he does, he’ll have to pay the consequences for that,” Trump said on June 7. Though he did not specify what those consequences would be, he emphasized the gravity of Musk’s potential political interference. “He’ll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that,” Trump added.

The fallout marks a dramatic shift in the relationship between the former president and Musk—once close allies during the 2024 election cycle. Musk contributed nearly $300 million to support Republican victories, including Trump's campaign. He also served as a White House adviser, where he proposed plans to restructure federal agencies and reduce government workforce. In recognition of his support, Trump awarded Musk a symbolic gold key in a ceremony held in the Oval Office on May 30.

However, tensions flared just days later after Musk publicly criticized a major House-approved legislative package backed by Trump, calling it a "disgusting abomination" and urging the Senate to reject it. The bill, which includes expanded border enforcement measures and deep tax cuts, is a centerpiece of Trump’s policy platform.

In response, Trump has threatened to cut federal subsidies to Musk’s companies—Tesla and SpaceX—and reevaluate existing government contracts. He pointed to Musk's discontent over provisions in the bill that would phase out electric vehicle subsidies and Trump’s decision to pass over Musk’s preferred NASA administrator.

Musk, in turn, retaliated by threatening to suspend the Dragon spacecraft program, which is vital to U.S. operations on the International Space Station.

Although Trump has attempted to soften his remarks in recent days—saying he wishes Musk’s businesses well—he suggested on June 6 aboard Air Force One that retaliatory action remains a possibility. “He’s got a lot of money. He gets a lot of subsidy, so we’ll take a look at that,” Trump said. “Only if it’s fair for him and for the country, I would certainly think about it. But it has to be fair.”

The clash underscores the growing rift between two of the most influential figures in U.S. politics and industry, with high stakes for the future of federal policy, corporate subsidies, and political loyalty within the Republican Party.