‘They Went Too Far’: Elon Musk Regrets Recent Posts Attacking Trump
Elon Musk has issued a public expression of regret over his recent online remarks directed at President Donald Trump, signaling a potential de-escalation in what had quickly become a high-profile and politically charged feud.
Musk, who had been the largest financial contributor to Trump’s presidential campaign, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday:
“I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.”
Tensions Eased as Trump Responds to Apology
Responding to Musk’s comment, Trump told the New York Post that he appreciated the gesture:
“I thought it was very nice that he did that.”
He acknowledged he had been upset by Musk’s earlier criticism but claimed to hold no grudge:
“I think he feels badly about what he said. I was not a happy camper, but I don’t have hard feelings.”
The president’s remarks came shortly after a previously recorded interview surfaced in which he suggested that reconciliation with Musk was possible, saying:
“I guess I could.”
Feud’s Impact on Tesla and Musk’s Business Interests
Following Musk’s apology, Tesla’s stock price climbed 2.6% in pre-market trading, reflecting investor optimism that the situation might stabilize.
The conflict between Trump and Musk reached a peak last week after Musk posted several inflammatory messages, including a call for Trump’s impeachment and accusations involving Jeffrey Epstein — claims that drew widespread attention and criticism.
Musk had also blasted Trump’s spending proposal — often referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” — saying it would add over $2.4 trillion to the national debt and describing it as a “disgusting abomination.”
Trump, in turn, attacked Musk on his social platform Truth Social, claiming:
“I took away his EV mandate that forced people to buy electric vehicles no one wanted.”
From Allies to Adversaries and Back Again?
The public fallout marked a dramatic shift in what had once seemed like a strong alliance. Musk had briefly served as head of the Trump administration’s “Department of Government Efficiency,” informally nicknamed “Doge” after the viral meme. The initiative aimed to slash government spending, though critics raised legal and ethical concerns.
Relations soured rapidly after Musk began attacking Trump’s economic policies, prompting Trump to question Musk’s loyalty and sanity, even suggesting the federal government should consider cutting off contracts and subsidies to Musk’s companies.
Financial Stakes and Strategic Interests
Beyond Tesla, Trump took aim at SpaceX, hinting at cutting federal support:
“We could save billions in the budget by cutting Elon’s government contracts.”
However, analysts agree that revoking SpaceX’s federal contracts would be unlikely. SpaceX is a critical partner for NASA and performs more satellite launches than any other provider globally. Musk briefly threatened to shut down the company’s Dragon spacecraft — the main transport vehicle for NASA astronauts — but soon walked that back.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s upcoming launch of a highly anticipated “robotaxi” service in Austin, Texas is seen as crucial to its future prospects. The timing of Musk’s conciliatory remarks suggests he may be seeking to protect his business interests ahead of that rollout.
Conclusion: A Tactical Truce?
While it’s unclear whether Musk and Trump will fully repair their fractured relationship, Musk’s apology and Trump’s measured response hint at a temporary truce. For now, both leaders appear to be stepping back from the brink, perhaps recognizing the political and financial consequences of prolonging their very public dispute.