Musk recently expressed regret for some of his social media posts about the President, signaling a potential easing of their public feud. Image: AFP.
(The Post News)– Tech magnate Elon Musk has publicly acknowledged regret for certain social media posts directed at President Donald Trump. Musk conceded on his X account that his recent remarks “went too far”.
This statement signifies a crucial turn in the public disagreement that has recently played out between the two influential figures.
The contentious exchange initially ignited last week after the Tesla owner sharply criticized a new tax and spending bill supported by President Trump, labelling it a “disgusting abomination”. In response, President Trump had previously stated their relationship was effectively over and signalled no interest in reconciliation.
The bill, which includes substantial tax breaks and increased defense spending, recently cleared the House of Representatives and is now under review by senators. Musk had actively campaigned against it, urging Americans to contact their representatives to “kill the bill” and arguing it would precipitate a recession in the latter half of the year.
The dispute escalated further when Musk made unsubstantiated claims on social media, alleging President Trump’s appearance in unreleased government files connected to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein—claims the White House swiftly dismissed as groundless. President Trump retorted by suggesting Musk had “lost his mind” and threatened to cancel government contracts estimated at $38 billion, a significant portion of which benefits Musk’s space technology firm, SpaceX. In an interview, President Trump underscored the need to respect the office of the president.
During the height of their public spat, Musk reportedly deleted numerous posts, including one that called for President Trump’s impeachment. The current expression of regret follows a period where Musk was seen as a key political ally, serving as the largest donor to President Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and often described as his “right-hand man”.
The feud also drew reactions from political circles. Former Trump aide Steve Bannon controversially called for Musk’s deportation, citing his South African birth. In contrast, US Vice President JD Vance voiced hope for Musk’s return “into the fold” but acknowledged the difficulty given the billionaire’s “nuclear” approach to the feud. While most Republicans urged a reconciliation, Democrats largely observed the unfolding drama.
This public rapprochement comes after Musk’s departure from the Department of Government Efficiency (DoGE), where he served for 129 days, an event that preceded the public falling out.
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