US President Donald Trump dismissed the idea of a reconciliation with Elon Musk on Saturday, saying the billionaire “has lost his mind”, even as Republicans called for the two to end their public feud.
Asked on ABC News whether he would speak with Musk after reports of a possible phone call, Trump said: “You mean the man who has lost his mind?”
The rift between the two influential figures—both key players in Republican political and fundraising circles—has escalated in recent days, with Musk criticising Trump-backed policies and Trump responding in kind.
READ: Trump, Musk feud explodes with threats of cutting contracts, backing impeachment
Despite the friction, Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators expressed hope that the feud would not derail the party’s legislative goals, particularly a sweeping tax and border spending bill endorsed by Trump but opposed by Musk.
“I hope it doesn’t distract us from getting the job done that we need to,” said Representative Dan Newhouse of Washington state. “I think it will boil over and they’ll mend fences.”
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas echoed the sentiment, telling Fox News: “When the two of them are working together, we’ll get a lot more done for America than when they’re at cross purposes.”
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Senator Mike Lee of Utah shared a composite photo of the two men on social media, writing: “But… I really like both of them.” He urged his followers to support reconciliation between the pair.
The White House has not confirmed any planned conversation between Trump and Musk, although a person familiar with the matter said Musk was open to dialogue while Trump was unwilling to speak “at least on Saturday”.
Conservative host Sean Hannity said the feud had “got personal very quick” but described it as “just a major policy difference”.
House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed concerns that the clash would affect legislative priorities.
“Members are not shaken at all,” Johnson said. “We’re going to pass this legislation on our deadline.”
Still, Johnson urged reconciliation, calling it “good for the party and the country if all that’s worked out”, before issuing a note of caution to Musk.
“Do not doubt and do not second-guess and don’t ever challenge the president of the United States, Donald Trump,” he warned. “He is the leader of the party.”
Tensions between the two men have been rising since Musk publicly criticised the president’s policies on immigration and government spending. The feud also coincided with volatility in Tesla’s stock, further spooking investors.
