US President Donald Trump has expressed his disappointment following public criticism from Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and former head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump’s administration.
Musk, who was once seen as a key ally in Trump’s rise, announced his resignation from the administration last week without prior discussion with the former president, according to sources cited by Reuters.
Tensions had reportedly been building prior to Musk’s departure. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO publicly condemned Trump’s signature tax bill, urging Congress to “kill the bill” over concerns it could add trillions to the national deficit. Privately, Musk was said to be frustrated over the removal of Biden-era tax credits for electric vehicles.
Adding to the strain, Musk criticized Trump’s flagship legislation—the Big Beautiful Bill—calling it a “bloated mess.”
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office ahead of a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump said Musk never voiced any objections while serving in the administration.
“Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” Trump said. “He hasn’t said anything bad about me personally, but I’m sure that’ll be next. I’m very disappointed. I’ve helped Elon a lot.”
Trump likened Musk’s behavior to that of other former officials who turned critical after leaving his administration.
“People leave, they love us, then they miss it. Some embrace the past, others become hostile. I don’t know what it is—maybe it’s Trump Derangement Syndrome,” he said. “The glamor is gone, the world changes, and they become bitter. I’m very disappointed.”