During a meeting with visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the White House early Thursday afternoon, June 5, U.S. President Donald Trump took a swipe at someone who has been one of his closest allies: Tesla/SpaceX/X.com leader Elon Musk, who recently headed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and helped the Trump Administration orchestrate the layoffs of countless federal workers.
Musk has been highly critical of Trump's "big, beautiful bill," which he attacked as a "disgusting abomination." The megabill's Democratic opponents are speaking out against its draconian cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program; Musk, however, believes that the cuts don't go far enough.
Trump told reporters, "I am very disappointed in Elon. I've helped Elon a lot…. Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore."
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The U.S. president even implied that Musk is experiencing "Trump derangement syndrome."
The Dispatch's David Drukker, appearing on MSNBC, told host Chris Jansing that Musk is "politically naïve" and commented, "We'll have to see what the long-term impact of this is."
Meanwhile, on CNN, host Dana Bash commented, "The most interesting and perhaps important issue — political issue and policy issue — is what President Trump said about his now-former friend, at least it seems, Elon Musk."
Trump's attack on Musk during his press conference with Merz is also a major topic of discussion on the Musk-owned X, formerly Twitter.
Musk posted, "Without me, Trump would have lost the election…. such ingratitude."
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Democrat Harry Sisson tweeted, "Trump is going OFF on Elon Musk right now 'I'm very disappointed in Elon. I've helped Elon a lot.' MAGA civil war is here folks!!!"
Journalist Aaron Rupar observed, "Trump on Elon Musk: 'You saw a man who was very happy when he stood behind the Oval desk. Even with a black eye. I said, do you want a little makeup? He said, 'No, I don't think so,' which is interesting ... Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore."
X user David Michael Ramirez posted, "Their friendship will not last long, there is only interest between them."
KrassenCast's Ed Krassenstein posted, "BREAKING: Trump just said he’s 'very disappointed with Elon Musk,' and then implies that Musk has “Trump Derangement Syndrome. You really can't make this stuff up."
Science fiction author Kevin Gaughen remarked, "Elon Musk is a sociopath. He has no conscience. This is theater to distance himself from the mess he created by getting Trump elected. Elon doesn’t care about America or Americans; he just wants to pretend that he’s a good guy so people buy Teslas again. Continue the boycott!
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Watch MSNBC's coverage of President Donald Trump's June 5, 2025 press conferences with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz below or at this link.