Vance Calls Musk’s Criticism a “Big Mistake” But Hopes for Reconciliation
Vice President J.D. Vance has stepped into the fray as the public feud between former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk intensifies. Over the weekend, Vance described Musk’s attacks on Trump as a “big mistake” but expressed hope that the Tesla CEO would eventually rejoin the Republican camp.
Speaking on a podcast, Vance stated, “I will always be loyal to President Trump, and I hope Elon can find a way back into the fold at some point. Right now, it seems unlikely given how extreme he’s become, but I’d like to see it happen.”
He added, “The president doesn’t believe this needs to be a blood feud with Elon Musk. Honestly, if Elon just cools down, things could smooth over.”
Trump-Musk Rift Deepens After DOGE Departure
The conflict erupted shortly after Musk’s departure from the White House, where he had served as head of the newly established “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). His role as a “Special Government Employee” (SGE) expired last week, ending his formal ties to the administration.
The immediate trigger was Musk’s vocal opposition to Trump’s sweeping “Big and Beautiful Act,” currently under Senate review. The bill includes tax cuts, immigration enforcement measures, and other key Trump priorities. Musk has repeatedly criticized the legislation, arguing it undermines DOGE’s achievements and could exacerbate the national debt.
Vance Drawn Into the Crossfire
The feud took a sharper turn when Musk appeared to endorse a social media post advocating for Trump’s impeachment and Vance’s ascension to the presidency. Vance swiftly responded on X, writing, “President Trump has done more to earn the trust of this movement than anyone I’ve seen in my lifetime. I’m proud to stand with him.”
Despite Vance’s conciliatory tone, Trump has remained firm. On June 6, aboard Air Force One, he told reporters he had no immediate plans to speak with Musk but wished him “all the best.” He also dismissed reports of a scheduled reconciliation call as “wrong.”
Trump Warns of “Severe Consequences”
The following day, Trump escalated his rhetoric, cautioning Musk against funding Democratic candidates who oppose the tax reform bill. “If he does that, he’s going to have to pay a price,” Trump said in an interview, though he declined to specify repercussions. “Very severe consequences,” he emphasized.
The standoff highlights growing fractures within Trump’s political coalition, with Vance emerging as a moderating voice amid the high-profile clash. Observers speculate whether Musk’s influence—and financial backing—will shift ahead of the next election cycle.
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