A surprising thaw appears to be underway between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the visionary behind SpaceX and Tesla. After a period of public friction, marked by pointed remarks and disagreements, the two were observed together at a White House dinner, signaling a potential shift in their relationship.
The change in dynamic was further underscored by President Trump’s comments at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum. He acknowledged Musk, playfully questioning whether the billionaire had adequately expressed his gratitude, while simultaneously highlighting a shared stance against aggressive electric vehicle mandates.
Trump specifically referenced a previous policy push for all-electric cars by 2030, a goal Musk himself had deemed “ridiculous.” This shared opposition formed part of a larger discussion surrounding the President’s recent tax and domestic policy measure, which included a new deduction for car loan interest.
Following the President’s speech, Musk took to social media, offering a concise but significant expression of thanks. “I would like to thank President Trump for all he has done for America and the world,” he posted, a statement that suggests a deliberate attempt to mend fences.
The rift between the two had reached a fever pitch in May, fueled by disagreements over the same policy measure. Musk voiced concerns about its potential impact on the federal deficit, while Trump criticized Musk’s opposition to the elimination of electric vehicle tax credits.
The exchange escalated into a public volley of accusations. Musk boldly asserted that Trump’s 2024 election prospects were, in part, reliant on his support, a claim met with a sharp rebuke from the President, who accused Musk of losing his composure over the tax credit adjustments.
However, subtle signs of reconciliation began to emerge in September, with both Trump and Musk attending a memorial service in Arizona. This initial gesture paved the way for Tuesday’s more formal encounter at the White House, during a dinner hosted for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The dinner guest list included other prominent figures from the tech industry, such as Apple CEO Tim Cook and Dell CEO Michael Dell, suggesting a broader effort to engage with key leaders in the technology sector. The evolving relationship between Trump and Musk warrants attention, given their respective influence and the potential for collaboration on future initiatives.
