Vance: Musk Making a ‘Huge Mistake’ in Trump Feud Escalation/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Vice President JD Vance has described Elon Musk’s attacks on President Donald Trump as a “huge mistake,” while simultaneously downplaying the tech billionaire’s explosive rhetoric. Amid calls for reconciliation from Republican leaders, Vance defended Trump and his legislative agenda, insisting Musk’s behavior was emotionally driven but not unforgivable.
Elon Musk’s Trump Feud Is ‘Huge Mistake’: Quick Looks
- JD Vance calls Musk’s social media tirade a “huge mistake” but also labels him an “emotional guy.”
- Vance suggests reconciliation is possible despite Musk “going nuclear” with impeachment talk and Epstein accusations.
- The vice president downplayed Musk’s criticisms, claiming Trump remained restrained in his response.
- Musk called for killing Trump’s tax bill, labeling it a “disgusting abomination” amid budget concerns.
- Musk suggested without evidence that Trump is tied to Epstein files, later deleting the posts.
- Vance defended the administration’s budget bill, saying it’s “not perfect” but extends key tax cuts.
- The interview was taped as Musk’s attacks unfolded, and included edgy humor and jokes from host Theo Von.
- Vance reaffirmed Trump’s innocence in Epstein allegations and rejected any push for impeachment.
Deep Look: JD Vance Tries to Contain Musk-Trump Fallout
Vice President JD Vance is urging calm after one of the most dramatic public breakups in conservative politics: the falling out between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump. In a candid new interview released Friday, Vance called Musk’s online attacks a “huge mistake” but insisted he doesn’t believe the damage is irreversible.
“He’s an emotional guy,” Vance said during an interview with comedian Theo Von. “I hope Elon eventually comes back into the fold. Maybe that’s not possible now because he’s gone so nuclear.”
Musk’s scathing criticisms of Trump, unleashed across X (formerly Twitter) over the past several days, included everything from calling for Trump’s impeachment to accusations that the administration is covering up connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The latter claim was made without evidence and quickly deleted by Musk early Saturday.
Musk’s Offensive and Trump’s Retort
The drama started when Musk attacked Trump’s flagship domestic legislation—the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, calling it a “disgusting abomination” and claiming it would explode the federal deficit. His remarks were quickly followed by a flurry of additional criticisms, including suggestions that the president should be replaced with Vance himself.
President Trump responded by labeling Musk “CRAZY” and threatening to revoke federal contracts to Musk’s companies, including SpaceX and Tesla.
Despite the online war of words, Vance claimed Trump had largely remained measured.
“The president doesn’t think he needs to be in a blood feud with Elon Musk,” Vance said, adding, “If Elon chilled out a little bit, everything would be fine.”
Defending Trump, Downplaying the Fallout
Vance strongly denied Musk’s Epstein-related accusations, saying, “Absolutely not. Donald Trump didn’t do anything wrong with Jeffrey Epstein.” He also dismissed the impeachment talk as “totally insane,” praising the president’s performance and urging Musk to refocus.
“He’s doing a good job,” Vance reiterated. He also commended Musk’s brief tenure leading the Department of Government Efficiency, which oversaw sweeping layoffs and budget reductions during the early months of Trump’s second term.
Still, Vance acknowledged that the moment was heated and complex: “Look, it happens to everybody. I’ve flown off the handle way worse than Elon Musk did in the last 24 hours.”
Budget Bill and GOP Fractures
At the center of Musk’s ire is the One Big Beautiful Bill, which has passed the House and faces an uncertain future in the Senate. The bill would extend the 2017 Trump-era tax cuts but also cut spending deeply, potentially leaving over 10 million Americans without health coverage, according to the Congressional Budget Office. It would also add $2.4 trillion to the federal deficit over 10 years.
Musk has warned that the bill is fiscally reckless and urged Republicans to oppose it. Vance, however, insisted the bill is worthwhile, saying: “It’s a good bill. It’s not a perfect bill.”
He rejected GOP claims that lawmakers didn’t have time to read it: “The idea that people haven’t had an opportunity to actually read it is ridiculous.”
Interview Atmosphere: Humor and Controversy
The interview with Theo Von, recorded at Kid Rock’s restaurant in Nashville, blended serious political commentary with controversial humor. Von cracked jokes about abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ sexuality, to which Vance responded jokingly, “We’re gonna talk to the Smithsonian about putting up an exhibit on that.”
Von also asked if Vance “got high” on election night. The vice president laughed and replied, “I did not get high. I did have a fair amount to drink that night.”
Is Reconciliation Still Possible?
The Republican Party remains deeply split over the Musk-Trump clash, with some like Rep. Michael McCaul expressing concern that the feud could distract from Trump’s legislative agenda. Others believe reconciliation is still on the table.
Musk’s immense influence, wealth, and control over platforms like X ensure that any ongoing feud with Trump will reverberate across the GOP—especially with Musk hinting at new political ventures like the proposed “America Party.”
But for now, JD Vance is trying to pour water on the fire, balancing defense of Trump with carefully worded praise for Musk.
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