Republicans encourage Donald Trump and Elon Musk to reconcile their disagreement
The Fallout from Trump-Musk Showdown: GOP Looks to Mend Fences
WASHINGTON (AP) - As the Republican Party grapples with the fallout from President Donald Trump's acrimonious public spat with tech titan Elon Musk, key figures are pushing for a truce, fearing the consequences of a sustained conflict.
The heated exchange between these powerful personalities could create obstacles for the party's colossal tax and border spending legislation, a bill that's been Trump's pet project but faces Musk's scorn.
"I hope it doesn't derail us from accomplishing what needs to be done," said Rep. Dan Newhouse, a Republican representative from Washington state. "I think it will eventually simmer down, and they'll patch things up."
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Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican representative from Texas, shared Newhouse's optimism.
"I hope they come together again because when they work together, we'll see more progress for America than when they're at odds," Cruz told Fox News host Sean Hannity on Thursday evening.
Senator Mike Lee, a Republican representing Utah, seemed almost dispirited as the verbal jousting between Trump and Musk unfolded. Lee shared a composite image of the two men on social media, captioning it, "But ... I really like both of them."
Later, Lee urged his followers to repost if they believed the world would be a better place with a fully reconciled Trump-Musk alliance.
So far, the spat between Trump and Musk appears to be a volatile, fluid situation, ripe for either an escalation or a détente.
An insider familiar with the president's thinking revealed that Musk is eager for dialogue, but Trump appears disinterested, or at least unenthusiastic about a Friday talk. The source requested anonymity to discuss private matters.
On ABC News Friday morning, Trump showed no signs of wanting to bury the hatchet, responding to questions about potential discussions with Musk with, "You mean the guy who's lost his mind?"
Trump further commented that he was "not particularly" keen on speaking with Musk at the moment.
Yet, others remain hopeful that the rift will pass.
"I grew up playing hockey and there wasn't a single day we didn't fight and then become friends again," Hannity said on his show.
Acknowledging the exchange had become personal quickly, Hannity nonetheless maintained that it was "simply a policy disagreement."
House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence that the dispute would not hinder the tax and border bill's progress.
"Members are unfazed," the Louisiana Republican stated. "We'll pass this legislation on schedule."
He added that he hoped the two men could reconcile, saying, "I believe in redemption" and "it's beneficial for the party and the nation if all is resolved."
Yet, he also had a warning for Musk.
"Let me tell you, do not doubt and do not challenge the president of the United States, Donald Trump," Johnson said. "He leads the party. He's the most significant political figure of this generation and possibly the modern era."
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Associated Press writers Leah Askarinam and Kevin Freking contributed to this report.
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