President Donald Trump believes Tesla CEO Elon Musk will eventually return to the Republican Party, despite their public disagreements earlier this year. Speaking on the Scott Jennings Show, Trump said Musk’s options are limited to the GOP or “radical left lunatics,” reports Bloomberg.
“I don’t think he has a choice,” Trump said.
Trump Praises Musk While Noting Challenges
Trump described Musk as brilliant but not without flaws:
“He’s a good man. He got off the reservation incorrectly, and that’s okay, because, you know, it’s just one of those things. He’s 80% super genius, and then 20% he’s got some problems. And when he works out the 20% he’ll be great, but he’s got some difficulty.”
The split occurred in June, after Musk criticized Trump’s tax overhaul, the “Big Beautiful Bill”, which the Congressional Budget Office projected would raise the deficit by $3.4 trillion over the next decade.
Musk shared his frustrations on X (formerly Twitter):
“Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House, and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Such ingratitude,” Musk wrote on June 5.
Trump Softens His Stance
Although Trump initially threatened to withdraw government contracts from Musk’s companies, he later expressed goodwill:
“Look, I wish him well. You understand? We had a good relationship, and I just wish him well,” Trump said in June.
In July, Musk announced plans to form a new political group called the America Party, but by August, no formal steps had been taken. He has continued donating to Republican campaigns.
Trump Allies Encourage GOP Return
Trump supporters, including Vice President JD Vance, have urged Musk to return to the Republican Party, emphasizing his influence in the 2024 election and potential impact on future races.
