Trump says Elon Musk never spoke to him about $45M per month donations, EV industry criticisms

Elon Musk reportedly donated $45 million to Donald Trump's campaign per month.

Former President Donald Trump said at a campaign rally in Michigan on Saturday that he would "rescue the U.S. auto industry from obliteration," while also touting the recent endorsement of Tesla founder and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.

Trump told rallygoers that Musk did not tell him about having donated $45 million per month to his campaign and also never mentioned in their conversations Trump's criticism of electric vehicles.

"I love Elon Musk. Do we love him? I love him," Trump said. "But Elon endorsed me the other day, and I read -- I didn't even know this -- he didn't even tell me about it, but he gives me $45 million a month, a month. Not 45 million. Gives me 45 million a month."

"And I talked to him just a little while ago to say I was coming here. How are you doing? And he didn't even mention it," Trump added. "I mean, other guys, they give you $2 and you got to take them to lunch. You got to win 'em, dine 'em."

The former president and Republican nominee said he is not opposed to electric vehicles entirely but said the head of the United Autoworkers wanted them above all else.

"I'm constantly talking about electric cars. But I don't mean I'm against -- I'm totally for them," Trump said. "But whatever the market says and if it's 10% of the market, 12%, 7%, 20%, whatever it is, it's okay. But you can't have 100% electric cars."

Trump recalled how conversations with Musk, also the founder of SpaceX, usually revolve around the latest rocket engine techonology.

"He's a great guy. He really is," Trump said of Musk. "But, you know, he's never mentioned to me 'why are you hitting the electric cars?' Because he understands. I'm not hitting it. I think it's incredible. I've had them. I've driven them. They're incredible. But they're not for everybody. Some people have to drive long distances And they tend to be more expensive. And, you know, they'll probably be made in China because China has all of that material."