Trump Denies Call with Musk: “America Can Run Without Anyone—Except Me”

[Global Outlook] On June 6, former U.S. President Donald Trump told the media aboard Air Force One that he has no intention of speaking with Elon Musk “for the time being,” though he wished him “all the best.” The comment marks a clear sign of escalating tensions between the two figures.

Earlier, U.S. media reported that the White House had attempted to arrange a call between Trump and Musk to ease the strained relationship, but Trump dismissed the claim as “a mistake.”

Just a day prior, Musk announced after stepping down from his role in the U.S. “Government Efficiency Committee” that he was considering forming a new political party to represent the “80% centrist majority” in America. Over 80% of respondents supported the idea in a social media poll. Musk suggested naming the party “The American Party.”

Trump responded strongly. When asked whether the U.S. could do without cooperation with Musk’s companies, he said: “America can run without anyone—except me.”

Trump had previously hinted at potentially ending government contracts with Musk’s companies, including SpaceX and Tesla. Although the two once shared a brief political alliance, they gradually diverged over election positions, policy disagreements, and media statements.

This open clash between Trump and Musk reflects the complex dynamics between politics and business, and could intensify discussions on centrist voters and tech’s political influence ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.