Trump Hits Back at Elon Musk’s Criticism
Trump Slams Musk’s Criticism, Calls Resignation “Disappointing”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced deep disappointment following Elon Musk’s recent public criticisms and abrupt resignation from his administration.
Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and once a prominent figure in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), stepped down last week without notifying the former president.
According to insiders quoted by Reuters, the resignation came amid mounting tensions over key policy disagreements.
In recent weeks, Musk condemned Trump’s cornerstone legislation—the so-called Big Beautiful Bill—labeling it a “bloated mess.” He also urged lawmakers to reject Trump’s controversial tax overhaul, warning it could balloon the federal deficit by trillions.
Behind the scenes, Musk was reportedly growing frustrated with the rollback of electric vehicle incentives introduced during the Biden administration.
Speaking from the Oval Office ahead of a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump expressed frustration over Musk’s silence during his time in office.
“Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” Trump said. “He hasn’t said anything negative about me directly—yet. But I’m very disappointed. I helped Elon a lot.”
The former president went on to compare Musk’s departure to that of other once-loyal officials who turned critical after exiting his orbit.
“It’s a pattern—people leave, they miss the spotlight, and some get bitter,” Trump remarked. “They either embrace the experience or catch what I call Trump Derangement Syndrome. Maybe that’s what happened with Elon. Either way, I’m disappointed.”
Musk has not responded publicly to Trump’s latest remarks.
Trump Hits Back at Elon Musk’s Criticism