President Donald Trump has called Elon Musk a "wonderful guy" despite the Tesla CEO's renewed criticism of the administration's flagship "Big Beautiful Bill." The comments highlight the complex relationship between the two high-profile figures as the Senate advances the controversial legislation.

In a Fox News interview on Sunday, Trump praised Musk while acknowledging recent tensions: "I think he's a wonderful guy. I haven't spoken to him much, but I think Elon is a wonderful guy, and I know he's going to do well always" [12]. However, Trump added that Musk "got a little bit upset, and that wasn't appropriate" [12], referring to Musk's recent outspoken opposition to the bill.

Musk, who previously served as head of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has become one of the bill's loudest critics since leaving the administration in May [5]. On Saturday, he reignited the feud by posting on X: "The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country. Utterly insane and destructive" [5].

The billionaire's criticism focuses on the bill's impact on electric vehicle (EV) credits and clean energy initiatives. Musk argued the legislation "gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future" [8]. He warned it would be "political suicide for the Republican Party" [8].

Despite Musk's objections, the Senate narrowly voted to advance the 940-page legislation on Saturday night [5]. The bill, which includes a $5 trillion debt ceiling increase, faces growing resistance within the Republican Party [5][6].

Trump downplayed the disagreement, attributing it to Musk's concerns about the electric vehicle mandate [15]. "The EV mandate is a tough thing for him. I would, you know, I don't want everybody to have to have an electric car," Trump said [15].

The public spat has drawn attention from political observers. Philip Low, a former friend of Musk, warned that the tech CEO is unforgiving and will do "everything to damage the president" [1]. Low painted Musk as vengeful and power-hungry, suggesting any reconciliation would be "purely cosmetic" [3].

As the Senate debates the massive spending package, the rift between Trump and Musk underscores broader tensions within the Republican Party over economic policy and the future of clean energy initiatives. The outcome of this legislative battle could have significant implications for both the political landscape and the direction of key industries in the United States.