'He'll have to pay': Trump warns Musk against funding a Democratic candidate

US President Donald Trump has warned Elon Musk of “very serious consequences” if he backs the Democrats, following a public falling-out between the two.

In an interview with NBC News, set to air on Sunday, Trump said his relationship with Musk is over. He issued the warning after Musk criticised the Republican budget plans, known as ‘The Big Beautiful Bill Act’, calling them an “abomination”.

“If he does, he’ll have to face the consequences,” Trump told NBC News. “He’ll have to face very serious consequences if he does that,” he added.

Trump also noted that Musk had spent nearly $300 million in support of his re-election campaign last year, and cautioned him against switching sides.

When asked whether he wished to mend ties with Musk, Trump replied, “No.” Asked whether he believed their relationship was over, he said: “I would assume so, yeah,” adding that he had no plans to speak with his former ally.

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“I’m too busy doing other things… I have no intention of speaking to him,” Trump said.

However, he claimed the dispute had actually helped unify the Republican Party, stating: “The party has never been this united before — even more than it was just three days ago.”