Trump Accuses Elon Musk of Flip-Flop on EV Policy: ‘I’m Very Disappointed in Elon’
Tensions rise as Donald Trump blames Elon Musk for reversing support on a key spending bill over EV mandate cuts
Washington D.C., June 5 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday took sharp aim at Elon Musk, accusing the Tesla and SpaceX CEO of reversing his stance on a controversial federal spending package after learning it would scale back electric vehicle (EV) mandates — a key revenue area for Musk’s companies.
In comments made to reporters, Trump said Musk had been briefed on the bill “better than almost anybody” and raised no objections until the EV component came under threat. “He knew everything about it,” Trump said. “All of a sudden he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out we’re going to have to cut the EV mandate, because that’s billions and billions of dollars.”
The remarks follow a week of increasingly public friction between the two, as Musk criticized the legislation’s revised approach to clean energy support — calling it “a step backward” in separate public posts, without naming Trump directly.
Cuts to EV Incentives Trigger Business Backlash
At the heart of the dispute is a proposal backed by Trump-aligned Republicans that would significantly cut federal support for electric vehicles. The revised budget plan, still in discussion on Capitol Hill, would roll back mandates that currently incentivize automakers to ramp up EV production — something industry observers say has played a pivotal role in Tesla’s growth over the past decade.
A source familiar with the legislative process told The Guardian the decision to reduce EV incentives was driven by fiscal conservatives who see the subsidies as “excessive and market-distorting.”
Musk, who has often criticized federal bureaucracy but benefited from clean tech funding, appears to be drawing a line. While he has not issued direct criticism of Trump himself, his public messaging suggests clear discomfort with the shift in direction.
According to business analysts, such rollbacks could reduce margins for EV manufacturers, make electric cars less affordable for consumers, and potentially delay long-term sustainability goals — a concern echoed by several automakers and trade groups in recent weeks.
Personal and Political History Collide
Beyond the policy, Trump’s disappointment carried a personal tone. He claimed Musk had “said the most beautiful things” about him in the past and hadn’t spoken ill of him personally — “but I’m sure that’ll be next.”
“I’ve helped Elon a lot,” Trump told reporters, without elaborating on specific instances. The former president’s comments suggest he sees Musk’s shift not just as a policy disagreement but as a betrayal, particularly after what he described as prior support.
The history between the two is complicated. Musk served briefly on Trump’s business advisory council during his presidency before stepping down over climate disagreements. Yet he has also praised aspects of Trump’s deregulation push, creating an uneasy balancing act between ideological differences and overlapping interests.
GOP’s Tightrope Act
The episode has drawn fresh attention to how Republican leaders plan to navigate the EV issue ahead of the 2024 election cycle. With Trump once again the presumptive frontrunner, the party is grappling with how to balance climate-related market growth with conservative demands for smaller government.
“There’s no clean solution here,” a Republican strategist familiar with the campaign said. “The base doesn’t want more subsidies, but you can’t ignore that EVs are a massive part of the modern economy. And Elon’s not just any CEO — he controls entire narratives.”
As per political observers, the tension also exposes broader strains within the GOP — between its traditional corporate backers and a populist wing skeptical of high-tech elites. Musk, despite his frequent jabs at regulatory overreach, is often lumped into the latter category due to his visibility and financial power.
A senior Republican staffer on Capitol Hill, speaking anonymously, described the fallout as “inevitable,” adding, “Trump wants loyalty. Musk doesn’t do loyalty. It was only a matter of time.”
Industry Fallout and Next Moves
For now, there’s no indication that either side is looking to de-escalate. Trump’s camp appears set on framing the EV mandate as unnecessary government interference, while Musk has leaned into the idea that government inconsistency is hurting American innovation.
Auto industry insiders warn the policy fight could chill investment if not resolved soon. As per data from the International Energy Agency, the U.S. risks falling behind China and the EU — both of which continue to aggressively support EV adoption.
“The EV market doesn’t operate in a vacuum,” one Detroit-based analyst told The Guardian. “Pulling back now could damage long-term competitiveness, and that affects not just Tesla, but the whole supply chain.”
It remains unclear whether Musk will formally oppose Trump’s campaign or withhold support in other ways. For now, both appear to be sticking to their lanes — with Trump leaning into anti-subsidy rhetoric and Musk pushing for predictable industrial policy.
What’s clear is that the alliance, once seemingly convenient, is now strained — and the implications go well beyond two powerful egos.
Source: The Guardian
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Amit Singh is a Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald, where he covers the intricate dynamics of Indian politics and global geopolitical shifts. Currently pursuing his studies at Delhi University, Amit brings a keen analytical mind and a passion for factual reporting to his daily coverage, providing readers with well-researched insights into the forces shaping national and international affairs.
- Amit Singhhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/amit_s/
- Amit Singhhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/amit_s/
- Amit Singhhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/amit_s/
- Amit Singhhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/amit_s/
