JD Vance Reacts to Trump-Musk Feud Amid GOP Divisions Over "One Big Beautiful Bill"

In the ongoing drama between President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Vice President JD Vance has stepped into the fray with a mix of humor and support for Trump.

On Thursday evening, as the public battle between the two men escalated, Vance posted a joke on social media that lightened the tension. The post, featuring a photo of Vance sitting next to podcaster Theo Von, read, “Slow news day, what are we even going to talk about? @TheoVon.”

Musk responded with a laughing emoji, signaling that, despite the intensity of the feud, Vance’s attempt to inject humor into the situation was appreciated.

However, beyond the joke, Vance’s response reflects the growing fracture within the Republican Party over Trump and Musk’s disagreements.

As the conflict continues to unfold, it is becoming clear that this battle is not just about personal squabbles but is also playing out against the backdrop of a crucial legislative moment—the fate of Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill Act."

The conflict between Trump and Musk first surfaced over the "One Big Beautiful Bill," a tax cut package that the Trump administration has pushed through Congress.

Musk, who has long advocated for renewable energy and clean technology, has been vocal in his criticism of the bill. Specifically, Musk opposes the elimination of electric vehicle (EV) subsidies, which are crucial to Tesla’s continued growth.

Musk’s criticisms have been sharp, with him labeling the bill as "outrageous," "pork-filled," and a "disgusting abomination."

Trump, who initially kept his distance from Musk’s criticism, became more direct in his response. Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Trump expressed his “very disappointment” with Musk’s public stance on the bill.

He accused Musk of being well-aware of the provisions in the bill and of having no issues with it until the EV incentives were cut. Trump’s frustration was palpable as he remarked, “Elon knew everything about it. He had no problem with it. All of a sudden, he had a problem. And he only developed the problem when he found out that we’re going to have to cut the EV mandate.”

Musk, not one to shy away from a fight, immediately hit back. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk denied Trump’s claims, stating that he had never been shown the bill before it was passed.

He also accused Congress of rushing the bill through without giving anyone—including lawmakers—time to properly review it. Musk’s post added fuel to the fire, further inflaming the already heated feud between the two powerful figures.

While the clash between Trump and Musk took center stage, JD Vance, a rising star in the Republican Party, weighed in with his own take on the situation. Known for his strong support of Trump, Vance took to social media to make his position clear.

In his second post on X, Vance praised Trump for his leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to standing beside him. “President Trump has done more than any person in my lifetime to earn the trust of the movement he leads. I’m proud to stand beside him,” Vance wrote, emphasizing his unwavering loyalty to the president.

Vance’s support for Trump comes at a time when the GOP is deeply divided over the future direction of the party. Musk, who had once been a close ally of Trump, is now openly critical of the president’s policies, particularly the tax reform bill.

Vance, in contrast, continues to align himself with Trump’s agenda, highlighting the stark contrast between the two men’s approaches.

While Vance’s comments were diplomatic, they underscored the growing tension within the GOP. Musk, who has long been seen as an influential figure in conservative circles due to his business success and support for clean energy, is now at odds with a president who has championed traditional Republican economic policies.

The feud has put some GOP members in a difficult position, forcing them to choose between two figures who have shaped the modern political landscape in different ways.

The relationship between Trump and Musk has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks, moving from a cordial alliance to a full-blown public dispute. This is particularly surprising given the strong support Musk offered Trump during the 2024 election.

Musk’s contributions to Trump’s campaign, which included a $250 million donation, were seen as crucial to the president’s bid for re-election.

Additionally, Musk’s leadership in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Trump created to streamline government operations, further solidified their partnership.

However, as the "One Big Beautiful Bill" made its way through Congress, Musk began to voice his opposition, and the fallout from this shift in allegiance has been swift and harsh.

Trump, who had supported Musk throughout his career, has now labeled him "crazy" and suggested that Musk is suffering from "Trump derangement syndrome."

This term, frequently used by Trump and his allies, refers to the irrational hatred or opposition to the president that some people exhibit, often without rational basis.

Trump’s response to Musk’s criticisms was blunt, saying, "Elon was 'wearing thin,' I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!"

Trump’s words reflect a deep sense of betrayal, as he feels that Musk’s criticism, especially after the level of support he had received, is both ungrateful and counterproductive.

Musk, in turn, was not silent. He called Trump’s statements "such an obvious lie" and continued to tweet about the president’s tariffs, claiming that they would lead to a recession in the second half of the year.

Musk’s vocal and public attacks on Trump have only further exacerbated the rift, creating a situation where both men seem unwilling to back down.

The feud took another turn when former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon entered the conversation, suggesting that Musk’s immigration status should be investigated.

Bannon, who has long been a critic of Musk, proposed that Musk’s citizenship should be examined, claiming that he may be in the U.S. illegally and should be deported.

"They should initiate a formal investigation of his immigration status because I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported from the country immediately," Bannon told The New York Times.

While this suggestion is extreme, it highlights the deepening animosity between Musk and Trump’s allies. Musk, who was born in South Africa and later became a U.S. citizen, has faced criticism from some corners of the political spectrum for his outspoken views.

Bannon’s comments are part of a broader effort by Trump’s supporters to discredit Musk and delegitimize his criticisms.

The timing of the feud between Trump and Musk could not be worse for the Republican Party, which is currently facing significant pressure to pass the "One Big Beautiful Bill."

The bill, which has already passed the GOP-controlled House of Representatives by a single vote, is a key piece of Trump’s legislative agenda. However, the growing divide within the party, exacerbated by Musk’s vocal criticism, has complicated efforts to move the bill forward in the Senate.

Trump has set a firm deadline for Senate Republicans to pass the bill and get it to his desk for signing by July 4. This deadline underscores the urgency with which Trump is approaching the issue, as he views the bill as crucial to his agenda and to maintaining momentum for his re-election bid.

However, the infighting within the GOP, sparked by Musk’s criticisms, has made it more difficult to secure the necessary votes in the Senate.

Despite the tensions, some Republicans, like Senators Rand Paul and Ted Cruz, have expressed support for both Trump and the bill. Senator Cruz, in particular, voiced his disappointment over the public fallout between Trump and Musk, calling it "incredibly unfortunate."

He acknowledged that both men are strong leaders who have contributed greatly to the country, but he also emphasized the importance of unity within the GOP.

Cruz’s remarks reflect the delicate balance that the Republican Party must strike between supporting Trump’s leadership and addressing the concerns of influential figures like Musk.

As the dispute between Trump and Musk continues to unfold, the future of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" remains uncertain. With Trump’s July 4 deadline looming, it remains to be seen whether the president can rally enough support within the GOP to pass the bill and secure his policy objectives.

At the same time, the ongoing rift with Musk has raised questions about the broader direction of the Republican Party and the role that business leaders like Musk will play in shaping its future.

For now, the feud between Trump and Musk shows no signs of slowing down. The public insults and accusations are only deepening the divide, and it’s unclear whether either man will be able to repair the relationship.

What is certain, however, is that the fallout from this conflict will have lasting implications for the GOP and its ability to unite behind a common agenda.

As the battle between Musk and Trump rages on, the political landscape is shifting, and the Republican Party must navigate these internal divisions carefully.

Whether this feud will ultimately strengthen the GOP or lead to further fragmentation remains to be seen. But for now, the future of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" and the broader direction of the party are at a crossroads, with the stakes higher than ever.