Washington [US], November 20 (ANI): Hours after hinting at a potential easing of tensions with billionaire Elon Musk, US President Donald Trump again took aim at the Tesla CEO, keeping their ongoing feud firmly in the spotlight.
Speaking at the US–Saudi Investment Forum in his trademark unscripted manner, Trump repeatedly referenced the “favours” he claimed to have extended to Musk during the billionaire’s brief tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency.
Before continuing, Trump paused and asked, “Has he ever thanked me for that properly?”
While discussing a tax credit intended to support buyers of electric vehicles, Trump said the initiative was designed to benefit middle-income consumers. “Even people that go buy a car, they’ve never had this,” he said, before turning to a broader critique of tax deductions. “You know, middle-income people don’t know what the word deduction is. They don’t know. This room, they live on deductions. Me too. How much of a deduction do I get? We all live on it.”
He went on to claim that his administration was offering middle-class Americans “a deduction on the interest if they buy one of a nice Tesla car and they borrow the money.”
Looking toward Musk, Trump remarked, “You’re so lucky. I’m with you, Elon.” Moments later, he added jokingly, “Though I do let him buy cars that aren’t electric — but those are minor details.”
Shortly after the event, Musk posted on X, “I would like to thank President Trump for al he has done for America and the world,” accompanied by photos of himself with Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang at the Washington forum.
The appearance followed a recent White House dinner attended by Trump, Musk, and the Saudi Crown Prince — only their second shared event since their fallout earlier this year. Musk, who had endorsed Trump in the previous election, later led the Department of Government Efficiency, where he oversaw significant cuts in federal spending and workforce numbers.
Tensions between the two escalated when Musk criticised Trump’s tax-and-spending proposal as reckless and announced plans to form a new political party. Trump hit back, threatening to withdraw federal support for Musk’s companies.
Musk’s public criticisms at the time dented Tesla’s image, affecting both sales and stock performance. Since then, the two have largely kept their distance, aside from a brief handshake at a memorial event for conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September.
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