Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a recent interview that billionaire Elon Musk would face "severe consequences" if he funds Democratic candidates opposing Republicans who support Trump's extensive tax cut legislation.

During a telephone interview, Trump refrained from detailing what kinds of sanctions he would impose on Musk, with whom he has had no discussions since their public fallout began.

When asked if he believed his relationship with Musk had ended, Trump replied, "I suppose so, yes," indicating no desire to mend their friendship.

Tensions flared earlier this week when Musk labeled Trump's tax proposal an "obscene abomination," complicating efforts to pass the legislation in Congress, where Republicans hold a narrow majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Musk escalated the conflict by suggesting that Trump appeared in the records of the late Jeffrey Epstein, which allegedly include names associated with Epstein's illegal activities.

Trump countered by asserting that Musk had "gone crazy" and continued to defend his tax bill, describing it as a "great and beautiful project" currently under discussion in the Senate.

Trump remarked that he didn't care about Musk opposing him but suggested Musk should have voiced his concerns earlier.

CNN reported that Trump asked his advisors whether Musk's behavior could be related to potential substance abuse, although Trump himself declined to publicly comment on that matter during a flight aboard Air Force One.

Instead, he claimed he was not thinking about Musk and would not be speaking with him "for a while."

In a potential shift, Musk has deleted several disparaging social media posts regarding Trump, including one expressing support for Trump's impeachment and another insinuating Trump's linkage to Epstein’s records.

This suggests a possible de-escalation in their public feud.

Late Friday, Trump hinted at reviewing government contracts involving Musk amidst the ongoing tensions.

After the exchange of barbs, Musk's allies noted that his anger seemed to be fading, and there are expectations that he may seek to mend relations with Trump.

The contentious tax bill, which has already passed narrowly in the House, is now facing scrutiny in the Senate, where some Republican members are considering amendments.

Analysts project that the legislation could add $2.4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.

Trump expressed confidence that the bill would be approved ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, stating that those who initially opposed it would now support it with enthusiasm.

Vice President JD Vance publicly supported Trump, denying any association between Trump and Epstein.

He expressed loyalty to the former president while acknowledging Musk's capabilities as an entrepreneur and his efforts to eliminate waste and fraud during his time in government.

Vance also interpreted Musk's recent behavior as indicative of his inexperience in politics and sympathized with his frustrations, suggesting that it was a mistake for Musk to confront Trump so publicly.