"They've got to work this thing out"— Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary urges Trump and Musk to reconcile for America’s future

Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary uploaded a video on Instagram on June 7, 2025, sharing his opinions on the importance of Donald Trump and Elon Musk's partnership for America's benefit, after the latter left DOGE.

The clip, taken from his recent interview with CNN News, featured Kevin addressing the ongoing differences between the two influential figures. He emphasized that the public and media should avoid getting distracted by surface-level controversies, such as speculation about personal conflicts or drug-related headlines, and instead focus on the deeper policy disagreements at play.

The Shark Tank star believes that Trump and Musk's core disagreement stems from the two having different opinions on spending a $2 trillion deficit. He highlighted the importance of the two working together and urged them to work out their differences for the benefit of America’s future.

"Richest man on earth, including all of the competitiveness that Musk has brought to the American nation. Does Trump really want not to have that in his portfolio?" O’Leary wrote.

O’Leary continued:

"They've got to work this thing out, but really it's about two men that don't agree on how to spend money. These two have to... make up for the benefit of America," he wrote in the caption of his post.

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Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary explains the differences between Donald Trump and Elon Musk

In the interview clip uploaded by Kevin O’Leary, the Shark Tank star joined the interviewer panel to discuss the core reason behind the apparent difference current American president, Donald Trump, and appointed DOGE leader Elon Musk.

Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, was introduced by Trump, under his administration, in January 2025. It was deemed a White House initiative and its mission was to slash federal spending, cut waste, modernize government tech, and other ways that could help the government save the country's money.

Musk was appointed to lead the DOGE alongside Vivek Ramaswamy. He entered the initiative as a special government employee (SGE) and was assigned a tenure of 130 days, during which he had to carry out the mission.

While the DOGE helped the government save a lot of cost in its initial run, Musk decided to leave after the end of his tenure. His main reason to leave was his difference with Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which he believed contradicted DOGE’s mission.

Kevin also believes that this was the core reason for the difference between the two personalities. However, he pointed out that the media and some people were focusing on the surface-level controversies, which he referred to as "noice," such as drug-related headlines and speculation about personal conflicts.

"Elon Musk's mandate, when it came in, was DOGE, which is a remarkable 100 days to become a brand in America. It's indoctrinated every citizen regardless of party... And Trump and Elon Musk put that together. They did that. And I think it's a good thing. I think every taxpayer likes it," he said.

The Shark Tank investor continued:

"This stuff about drug use and all this noise is a difference of opinion. Musk was brought in to save $2 trillion. Let's not forget that in all this noise. He didn't get anywhere near there. He was frustrated as an entrepreneur. He had a... 130 days to do it. And Trump wants to get this bill done... and this bill does not reduce the deficit."

Further in the interview, Kevin urged the American citizen to focus and understand the core reason behind Trump and Musk's differences. Trump wants to spend a $2 trillion deficit through his “Big Beautiful Bill,” but Musk doesn't want to.

The long-time Shark Tank star further described the importance of both personalities and emphasized the importance of the two working together. He urged them to work through their difference and make up for the benefit of America.

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Shark Tank season 16 episodes are available on Hulu and ABC.