Now entering the ring: Vice President JD Vance.
Appearing on an episode of “This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von,” the vice president weighed in on the public feud that erupted this week between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump.
Musk and Trump became embroiled in the spat after the Tesla CEO called Trump’s “big, beautiful” spending bill a “disgusting abomination” on Tuesday.
“I think it’s a huge mistake for him to go after the president like that,” Vance told podcast host Theo Von in the interview, which was recorded Thursday and released Saturday. Vance had posted to X about recording the podcast on Thursday, as the pair’s row was escalating, saying, “Slow news day, what are we even going to talk about?”
“Elon’s entitled to his opinion,” Vance told Von in the episode.
“I’m not saying he has to agree with the bill or agree with everything that I’m saying, I just think it’s a huge mistake for the world’s wealthiest man, I think one of the most transformational entrepreneurs ever — that’s Elon — to be at this war with the world’s most powerful man,” he continued.
Vance, who said Trump had been getting “a little frustrated” with Musk’s recent criticism of him, added that he believed a feud between the pair would be “bad for the country” and that he hoped Musk “figures it out” and “comes back into the fold.”
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While Trump appeared to be holding his tongue about Musk’s criticisms at first, he hit back Thursday during a White House event to welcome German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
“I’m very disappointed in Elon. I’ve helped Elon a lot,” Trump said.
“He knew every aspect of this bill — better than almost anybody —and he never had a problem until right after he left,” he added, referencing Musk’s recent announcement that he was stepping back from his role in the president’s administration.
Musk then unleashed a whirlwind of X posts directed at the president, saying Trump would have lost the election without his help and accusing him of “ingratitude.”
The fallout grew progressively uglier, with Trump threatening to cut Musk’s government contracts.
The pair, who became close allies after Musk endorsed Trump’s reelection last year, continued to trade barbs until Friday evening, when their tones appeared to soften.
The White House rapid response account posted a clip on X of Trump speaking on Air Force One, saying he wished Musk well.
“Likewise,” Musk replied late Friday night.
