U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized Elon Musk for launching a fierce online attack against former President Donald Trump. He called it a “huge mistake.” However, Vance also tried to ease the tension. He described Musk as an “emotional guy” who acted out of frustration.
“I hope that eventually Elon comes back into the fold. Maybe that’s not possible now because he’s gone so nuclear,” Vance said in an interview released on Friday.
Vance Calls for Reconciliation
Vance’s comments came after Musk unleashed a storm of posts targeting Trump. Previously, both men shared a strong alliance and spent time together. Now, several Republican leaders are asking them to patch things up.
Musk’s social media outburst began after Trump mocked him as “CRAZY” and hinted at ending federal contracts linked to Musk’s companies. In return, Musk attacked Trump’s tax and spending plans. He even called for Trump’s impeachment and, without evidence, accused the government of hiding Trump’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Vance Tries to Diffuse the Situation
Vance, speaking to comedian Theo Von, admitted that frustration led to Musk’s posts. “Look, it happens to everybody. I’ve flown off the handle way worse than Elon Musk did in the last 24 hours,” he said.
He explained that Trump had remained mostly calm, despite Musk’s harsh words. “The president doesn’t think he needs to be in a blood feud with Elon Musk,” Vance said. “I actually think if Elon chilled out a little bit, everything would be fine.”
By Saturday, Musk had deleted several posts, including the one involving Epstein.
Von Shows Musk’s Epstein Claim to Vance
During the interview, Von read Musk’s post suggesting Trump’s name appears in sealed Epstein documents. Vance firmly rejected the claim. “Absolutely not. Donald Trump didn’t do anything wrong with Jeffrey Epstein,” he responded.
He added, “This stuff is just not helpful,” referring to another of Musk’s posts calling for Trump’s impeachment and Vance as a replacement. “It’s totally insane. The president is doing a good job.”
Vance Still Praises Musk’s Business Skills
Despite the feud, Vance praised Musk as an “incredible entrepreneur.” He applauded Musk’s work in reducing government spending through his “Department of Government Efficiency.”
Still, Vance defended the spending bill that Musk criticized. He said the main purpose of the bill is to extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts. While it cuts spending, it would also increase the deficit by $2.4 trillion and leave over 10 million people without health coverage, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Vance responded to Musk’s harsh criticism of the bill, saying, “It’s a good bill. It’s not a perfect bill.”
Vance Rejects Claims Lawmakers Didn't Read Bill
He also criticized House Republicans who said they didn’t have enough time to read the bill before voting. “The idea that people haven’t had an opportunity to actually read it is ridiculous,” Vance stated, noting the text was available for weeks.
Light Moments and Controversy in Interview
In the interview, Von joked about abolitionist Frederick Douglass’s sexuality. Vance laughed and replied, “We’re gonna talk to the Smithsonian about putting up an exhibit on that. And Theo Von, you can be the narrator for this new understanding of the history of Frederick Douglass.”
When asked if he got high to celebrate Trump’s election win, Vance laughed. “I wouldn’t admit it if I did,” he said. Then he clarified, “I did not get high. I did have a fair amount to drink that night.” The interview was filmed at a restaurant owned by Kid Rock, who supports Trump.