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President Trump and Elon Musk appear to have mended their relationship after a public falling out earlier this year. At the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum on Wednesday in Washington, Trump referenced the SpaceX and Tesla CEO in seemingly amicable terms, suggesting a thawing of tensions between the two high-profile figures.
“You’re so lucky I’m with you, Elon. I’ll tell you. Has he ever thanked me properly?” Trump said during his address. “Although I do let him buy other than electric cars, but these are minor details.”
Trump’s comments came while discussing a portion of his major tax and domestic policy package—the “big, beautiful bill” signed into law in July. The legislation includes a new tax deduction on car loan interest for purchases made between 2025 and 2028, allowing buyers to write off up to $10,000 annually in interest for certain new vehicle loans.
Following Trump’s speech, Musk posted on his social media platform X: “I would like to thank President Trump for all he has done for America and the world,” further signaling an improved relationship.
The apparent reconciliation comes just months after the two engaged in a bitter public spat. Tensions reached their peak in May when Musk publicly criticized Trump’s signature legislation, particularly over its elimination of electric vehicle tax credits that benefited companies like Tesla. Trump countered by accusing Musk of going “CRAZY” over the cuts and claimed the billionaire was “wearing thin.”
Their feud intensified when Musk asserted that Trump wouldn’t have won the 2024 election without his support, leading to further exchanges of harsh words throughout May and June. The dispute culminated in Musk’s departure from his position heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role he had taken on in the Trump administration.
Industry analysts note that this reconciliation could have significant implications for both the electric vehicle market and broader tech policy. The relationship between one of the world’s richest men and the president has substantial influence on market sentiment and regulatory direction.
The timing of this apparent reconciliation coincides with Musk’s attendance at a White House dinner Tuesday evening during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington. Musk was among several tech executives present at the event, including Apple CEO Tim Cook and Dell CEO Michael Dell, suggesting his return to the administration’s inner circle.
The two were also reportedly seen together at conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s funeral in Arizona in September, further indicating their relationship had been improving behind the scenes.
This renewed alliance comes at a critical time for both men. Trump is implementing his ambitious domestic agenda after winning the 2024 election, while Musk continues to navigate the changing landscape for his electric vehicle business amid policy shifts.
Trump’s comments at the investment forum touched specifically on electric vehicles, referencing Musk’s apparent agreement with his position. “We had a mandate which even Elon thought was ridiculous, that everybody has to have an electric car by 2030. And once, fortunately, he said, that’s a ridiculous thing,” Trump noted.
The episode highlights the often complicated relationships between business leaders and political figures, especially when policy decisions directly impact corporate interests. It also demonstrates how personal relationships can sometimes overcome professional disagreements in the highest echelons of power.
Neither the White House nor Musk immediately responded to requests for comment on the apparent reconciliation.
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20 Comments
This thawing of tensions between Trump and Musk is a notable shift, given their past public disagreements. It will be intriguing to see if it translates into any substantive collaborations or policy changes that could impact industries like mining, energy, and automobiles.
While I’m cautiously optimistic about the potential benefits, I’ll be closely watching to ensure principles and integrity are upheld as their relationship evolves.
This warming relationship between Trump and Musk is an interesting political development. While their past disagreements were concerning, it’s encouraging to see them finding common ground on issues like tax policies for the auto industry.
I’m curious to see if this leads to any tangible changes or initiatives that could impact the mining, energy, or electric vehicle sectors. Effective collaboration between government and industry is crucial for advancing key technologies.
It’s interesting to see the warming relationship between Trump and Musk. While they’ve had their differences in the past, it seems like they’re finding common ground on issues like tax policies that benefit the auto industry.
I wonder if this signals a shift in their working relationship going forward. It could open up new opportunities for collaboration, especially on energy and infrastructure initiatives.
The tax deduction for car loan interest is an interesting policy move that could boost EV sales. It will be worth watching how this affects the market dynamics and adoption of electric vehicles.
This seems like a strategic shift from the administration, potentially signaling a greater focus on clean energy and transportation initiatives. Time will tell if it leads to more substantial support.
The reconciliation between Trump and Musk is a notable development, given their past tensions. It will be intriguing to see if it leads to any substantive collaborations or policy changes that impact the mining, energy, or auto sectors.
As a shareholder in some of Musk’s companies, I’m hopeful this détente could open up new opportunities. But I’ll be watching closely to ensure principles and integrity are maintained on both sides.
The apparent reconciliation between Trump and Musk is an interesting political development that could have implications for the mining, energy, and transportation sectors. It will be worth monitoring how this relationship progresses and if it leads to any tangible policy shifts.
As an observer, I’m curious to hear Musk’s perspective on this and what he sees as the potential opportunities or risks from working more closely with the administration.
The political dynamics between high-profile figures like Trump and Musk can have a big impact on the industries they operate in. This détente could be good news for companies in the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.
At the same time, it’s important to remain objective and see how their relationship evolves. Past disagreements shouldn’t be forgotten, but progress is encouraging.
The tax deduction for car loan interest is a noteworthy policy move that could boost EV sales. It will be interesting to see how this affects the broader adoption of electric vehicles and the competitive dynamics in the auto market.
As an investor in the mining and energy sectors, I’ll be watching closely to see if this détente between Trump and Musk leads to any shifts in federal support or regulation that impact my portfolio.
While the public spat between Trump and Musk was concerning, it’s reassuring to see them finding common ground. Effective collaboration between government and industry leaders is crucial for advancing key technologies and infrastructure.
I’m curious to hear Musk’s perspective on this rapprochement and what it could mean for his companies’ relationships with the federal government going forward.
This rapprochement between Trump and Musk is a significant development, given their past public spat. It will be intriguing to see if it leads to any substantive collaborations or policy changes that could impact the mining, energy, or auto industries.
While I’m cautiously optimistic about the potential benefits, I’ll remain vigilant to ensure principles and integrity are maintained on both sides as their relationship evolves.