On Friday, President Trump expressed a desire to distance himself from a potential reconciliation between tech magnate Elon Musk and his former top adviser, indicating he had other priorities. “There’s an effort,” he noted regarding any attempts to bring the two together, “but I’m not really interested in that. I’m really focused on a country that addresses problems, even those related to conflicts far away.”
While on Air Force One heading to New Jersey, Trump also shared his views on lowering prices. “There’s no inflation right now. If this guy cuts interest rates, it’s going to be lower,” he remarked.
When asked about Musk later that evening, the president stated that he was occupied with international matters and had little to say about his former adviser. “To be honest, I work in China, I work in Russia, I work in Iran. I’m not thinking about Elon Musk,” he replied, adding, “I really hope for him.”
The White House was attempting to move past the escalating drama following a spat between Trump and Musk that unfolded the previous day, which had intensified as Musk sought Trump’s attention and linked him to Jeffrey Epstein’s files.
They dismissed rumors of a possible call for reconciliation just a week after Musk stepped down from his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Since his departure, Musk has ramped up his criticism of a significant piece of legislation, labeling it “nasty hateful” and urging lawmakers to “kill the bill.”
On Friday, Trump appeared disinterested in further engaging with Musk, whose relations with him had soured significantly. He refrained from commenting on Musk’s alleged drug use, remarking that it “sounded very unfair.” He mentioned that he believed the work of DOGE had been quite beneficial.
Furthermore, after suggesting the possibility of canceling federal contracts and subsidies for Musk’s company amid their online exchanges, Trump stated he was reviewing the contracts Musk has with the government. “We’ll look at everything,” he confirmed, emphasizing that any actions would be taken only if they were “fair to him and the country.”
“The U.S. can survive without almost anyone… except for me,” Trump quipped, reflecting on the implications of the contracts. He concluded by expressing hopes that Musk would “do well with Tesla.”
