In a stunning turn of events, Elon Musk extended an olive branch to former President Donald Trump following a fierce and highly publicized feud. According to sources confirmed by ABC News, Musk and Trump spoke by phone Monday night, with Musk later posting on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday morning:
“I regret some of my positions about President @REALDONALDTRUMP last week. They went too far.”
Origins of the Feud: Musk vs. Trump
The clash erupted after Musk publicly criticized Trump’s signature legislative proposal — the “One Big Beautiful Bill” — a sweeping package of tax cuts, infrastructure spending, and strict immigration measures. Musk called it a “hateful disaster,” warning that it could destabilize the economy and undermine subsidies for electric vehicles.
Musk didn’t stop there. He also called for Trump’s impeachment, accused him of misconduct related to the 2024 election, and even insinuated that Trump was connected to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. These explosive allegations sparked immediate controversy and ignited a firestorm on social media.
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Trump Fires Back
Trump retaliated forcefully, calling Musk “a man who’s lost his mind” during an interview. He went further, threatening to cancel over $22 billion in federal contracts tied to Musk’s companies — including key deals with Tesla and SpaceX — if Musk continued backing GOP challengers or Democrats.
This elevated what had been a policy dispute into a full-scale political and business standoff, underlining the interconnectedness of Musk’s ventures with federal decision-making.
White House Steps In to Broker Peace
As tensions escalated, Vice President J.D. Vance and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles reportedly intervened. According to insiders, they urged Musk to de-escalate the situation, emphasizing the importance of political stability and economic interests.
Their outreach prompted Musk to engage in a private call with Trump on Monday evening, expressing a willingness to move forward. Sources said the White House preferred a diplomatic reset, urging Musk to take time and reflect before acting further.
Musk’s Apology and Public Walk-Back
At 3 p.m. Wednesday, Musk posted a message on X acknowledging regret over his earlier comments. He deleted several controversial posts — including those calling for impeachment and referencing Epstein — though some moderate criticisms remained online. Musk didn’t specify which remarks he now deemed inappropriate, leaving observers to speculate about the depth of his contrition.
Trump Responds Cautiously
Trump responded by calling the apology “very good,” though he stopped short of declaring full reconciliation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt offered a brief comment:
“The President acknowledged Mr. Musk’s statement this morning and appreciates it. We remain focused on delivering for the American people.”
Despite this, Trump has not indicated whether previously threatened contract suspensions — such as revoking Tesla’s regulatory privileges or limiting Starlink’s expansion — will be fully reversed.
Market Reaction and Business Implications
Musk’s public apology had a noticeable market effect. Tesla shares rebounded by 2.6% in pre-market trading on Wednesday, as investors welcomed signs of détente with Washington.
Analysts noted that Musk’s climbdown was likely driven more by corporate calculus than personal remorse. With billions at stake in government contracts — including NASA partnerships and clean energy credits — restoring ties with policymakers is crucial for Musk’s business empire.
Strategic and Political Fallout
Some political analysts suggest Musk’s attempt at reconciliation is part of a broader strategic repositioning. Having recently floated the idea of a new “America Party” aimed at centrists, Musk has raised concerns among GOP operatives about splitting the conservative vote.
Figures like Vice President Vance are said to prefer keeping Musk inside the Republican tent — or at least neutral — rather than risk further fragmentation on the right.
What to Watch Going Forward
| Area | What to Monitor |
|---|---|
| Musk | Will Musk re-align with Trump politically? Will his support become visible again? |
| Policy Effect | Will Musk’s companies regain favorable treatment on EVs, AI, and aerospace deals? |
| Public Signal | Will Musk stay moderated in political discourse or return to outspoken commentary? |
| Trade Profit | Will future tech policies be shaped by political alignments or economic interests? |
Conclusion
What began as a fiery public rebuke of Trump by Elon Musk has transformed into a dramatic diplomatic reset. Whether this signals a genuine thaw or a pragmatic truce remains to be seen. Much will depend on upcoming policy decisions, contract renewals, and how trust is rebuilt.
Still, this moment highlights the fragile but powerful intersection of tech leadership and political influence. It marks a new chapter in how public personas — even after bitter feuds — can recalibrate their role in national discourse. Musk’s evolution from critic to cautious conciliator may be a sign of the times: where billionaires, policies, and power are increasingly entwined.