Trump’s remarks came Sunday on Truth Social, where he mocked Musk’s attempt to launch a third party as a “train wreck” and questioned its viability in the US system. Musk, once a major Trump donor and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), turned on the president over a domestic spending bill he called a “disgusting abomination.”

Musk threatened to back primary challengers to Republicans who supported the legislation, and said the America Party would focus on House and Senate races over the next year.

Fallout Hits NASA, Tesla

Trump confirmed he withdrew Jared Isaacman’s nomination to lead NASA after learning the SpaceX-linked entrepreneur had previously donated to Democrats. Isaacman, a close Musk ally, had flown twice in SpaceX missions and was seen as a key figure in US space policy.

Trump also suggested it was inappropriate for someone so closely tied to Musk’s business empire to head the agency, which works extensively with SpaceX. Meanwhile, the president has threatened to cut federal contracts and subsidies for Musk’s companies, including Tesla and Starlink.

Business Pushback And GOP Friction

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Musk’s government efficiency goals were broadly supported, but warned that corporate boards likely disapprove of his political ambitions. “He is better at running companies than campaigns,” Bessent said on CNN.

The conflict underlines widening fractures within the Republican base and raises questions about the role of ultra-wealthy entrepreneurs in shaping US political direction.