06:56 AM EDT, 06/05/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Tesla (TSLA) shares were down pre-bell Thursday amid reports of a growing split between the electric vehicle maker's chief executive, Elon Musk, and US President Donald Trump.

Musk has criticized Republicans' tax-and-spending bill, one of the factors contributing to the souring relationship between the two, The Wall Street Journal reported. Trump is unhappy about Musk's decision to attack his signature legislation, the WSJ reported, citing a senior White House official.

Representatives of Musk's companies and the White House did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' requests for comment.

Tesla shares were down 1.7% in recent premarket activity Thursday after closing 3.6% lower Wednesday.