A public spat erupted on Thursday between President Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk.
Musk, who had previously invested heavily in Trump’s 2024 campaign, expressed his dissatisfaction with Trump’s substantial legislative proposal currently stalled in the Senate, labeling it “nasty hateful.” This sentiment seemed to catch Trump off guard during a visit from German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz at the White House, where he remarked, “Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if that will continue.” The tension escalated as Musk mentioned the potential to form a third political party, suggesting that without his backing, Trump would struggle against former President Harris in the upcoming election, and he accused Trump of having ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In response, Trump hinted at the possibility of rescinding a federal contract linked to Musk’s company.
As the day progressed, Musk showed signs of being willing to mend fences with Trump. After speaking with various news outlets on Friday morning, Trump noted he was prepared to move on, clarifying that he hadn’t given Musk much thought lately. He remarked to CNN that Musk had “problems,” hinting at issues beyond their personal disagreements.
Meanwhile, in the Senate, Trump’s agenda bill, which recently cleared the House, has stirred concern among Republican senators.
Several GOP senators, including Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), expressed reservations. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) have also indicated they wouldn’t support the law unless current debt and spending levels were addressed. If all Democrats oppose it, the GOP could face a tough situation.
Senator Johnson is expected to bring up his concerns regarding the “big, beautiful bill” during an appearance at CNN’s “Union State.”
Sen. Tom Tillis (R-N.C.) indicated this week that, as part of a broader effort to eliminate waste and fraud in Medicare, he spoke in favor of legislation sponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) aimed at preventing overpayments in the Medicare Advantage program, known as the “Upcode.” This initiative could be included in Trump’s larger legislative effort, and Cassidy is set to discuss it on News Nation’s “The Hill Sunday.”
Upcoming segments this Sunday from various networks will feature a mix of political figures:
- News Nation’s “Hill Sunday”: Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.); Rep. Sarah Elle Schiev (D-MA); Neil Bradley, Chief Policy Officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
- ABC’s “This Week”: Ukrainian President Voldimir Zelensky; House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
- NBC’s “Meet the Media”: Officer James Lankford (R-Okla.); Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
- CNN’s “Union Status”: Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.); Ron Johnson (R-Wis.); Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.); Rep. Nicole Mariotakis (R-N.Y.).
- CBS’s “Facing the People”: National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett; Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.); Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-Texas); Save the Children President and CEO Janti Soeripto.
- Fox News Sunday: Sen. Russ Vault; Rick Scott (R-Fla.); Rep. Michael McCall (R-Texas); Director of Management and Budget.
- Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures: Secretary of Interior Doug Burgham; Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY); House Way and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.); Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).
