Here’s what conservatives need to know.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vice President JD Vance has broken his silence on the growing rift between President Donald Trump and billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk — calling Musk’s recent moves a “mistake” while holding out hope that the Tesla and SpaceX chief will return to Trump’s team before the crucial 2026 midterm elections.
Vance Warns Musk: ‘Don’t Betray the Movement’
In an interview with The Gateway Pundit, Vance praised Musk’s massive role in Trump’s 2024 victory, from rallying support online to providing key resources. But he also issued a warning.
“If you’re patriotic, you’re not stabbing the president in the back,” Vance said. “Minor disagreements don’t matter. I’m big-tent about this stuff.”
Vance argued that Musk is making a political miscalculation by distancing himself from the White House. “They’re never going to welcome him back on the left. That ship has sailed,” he added.
From Ally to Adversary
The once-strong alliance began to crumble in late May after Musk parted ways with the Trump administration. While Trump initially said Musk “will always be with us,” tensions flared when Musk publicly attacked the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, a Republican spending reform package.
- Musk’s stance: Called the bill “pork-filled” and a “disgusting abomination.”
- Trump’s stance: Hailed it as a historic win for taxpayers.
Despite Musk’s protests, Republicans pushed the bill through Congress, and Trump signed it into law on July 4.
Musk’s ‘America Party’ vs. Trump’s GOP
In a dramatic move, Musk announced plans to launch a centrist “America Party” to challenge both Democrats and Republicans — an idea Trump blasted as “ridiculous.”
On Truth Social, Trump didn’t hold back:
“It’s disappointing to watch Elon Musk veer so far off course… turning into a complete train wreck over the last five weeks.”
White House: A ‘Very Troublesome’ Split
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles described the breakup as “very troublesome,” noting Musk brought valuable connections, cutting-edge technology insights, and unique expertise to the administration.
“It was a great thing when it was a great thing,” Wiles said. “But it had a very troubled ending.”
Vance’s Final Plea
Vance hopes time will heal the divide. “By the midterms, I want things back to normal,” he said. “Elon is too important to the America-First movement to be on the sidelines.”
Bottom line: The Trump–Musk feud is rocking conservative politics — and the stakes for 2026 couldn’t be higher. Will Musk rejoin Team Trump, or is this political partnership over for good?