House Speaker Mike Johnson recently revealed that a lengthy text message he sent to Elon Musk during their feud with President Donald Trump earlier in 2025 was undelivered because Musk changed his phone number following a conflict. During an interview with New York Post columnist Miranda Devine on her podcast, Johnson explained that he initially sent the message but later realized the number was no longer valid, leaving it ‘in the ether.’ He expressed hope for a personal meeting with Musk to resolve the matter, acknowledging his respect for Musk’s achievements.
Johnson mentioned that he had previously communicated with Musk through other channels, including other long texts, to keep him updated on the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill,’ a major piece of legislation co-sponsored by Trump. Musk’s relationship with Trump soured when Musk publicly criticized the bill, particularly its $5 trillion increase in the debt ceiling. Trump accused Musk of opposing the legislation due to its impact on Tesla, which is one of Musk’s major companies. Musk later announced plans to launch a new political party to challenge Republicans and Democrats, further escalating the situation.
The conflict between Musk and Trump intensified after Trump signed the bill into law, praising its tax cuts as a catalyst for economic growth. Johnson, who has been a key figure in advancing the legislation, emphasized that Musk was aware of the bill’s content throughout its development. However, the disagreement intensified rapidly, leading to Musk’s public criticism. Despite the tension, Johnson expressed a desire for reconciliation, stating that he wants to maintain a positive relationship with Musk to ensure continued collaboration on critical issues.
The incident highlights the challenges of communication among high-profile individuals, with Musk, like other public figures, frequently changing his phone number for privacy and security concerns. Johnson admitted to initially missing the change and realizing the message was never delivered, underscoring the potential for misunderstandings in high-stakes political scenarios. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the resolution of this feud remains a topic of interest for many, with implications for both political discourse and corporate influence in public policy.
Musk’s public criticism of the bill and the subsequent changes in his relationship with Trump have had notable financial effects, particularly on Tesla and SpaceX. The criticism of the bill’s debt ceiling increase has raised concerns about its impact on the U.S. economy and corporate interests. Johnson’s comments suggest that Musk’s public stance has broader implications, potentially influencing both political strategies and market dynamics. The situation continues to develop, with ongoing discussions about the impact of Musk’s political ambitions and his role in shaping future legislation and economic policies in the United States.