Trump and Musk End War of Words, for Now
June 12, 2025Donald Trump and Elon Musk have ended their public feud, with Musk apologizing for his posts about Trump and Trump accepting the apology, potentially easing tensions that could impact Tesla's business dealings and Trump's administration policies.
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 30: Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks alongside U.S. President Donald Trump to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Musk, who served as an adviser to Trump and led the Department of Government Efficiency, announced he would leave his role in the Trump administration to refocus on his businesses. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)The world's most powerful politician and its richest businessman have stepped back from their war of words that stunned Washington and Wall Street alike last week. Elon Musk wrote on X, “I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.” Trump said in a New York Post podcast interview, “Things like that happen. I don’t blame him for anything.”
The break in their relationship had appeared to end Musk's influence in the White House and dashed investors' hopes for favored treatment for his businesses. Trump’s spat with Musk was a distraction as he attempts to pass a massive tax bill, negotiate peace in two international conflicts, and deal with protests.
Musk and Trump had a heated exchange, with Musk deleting a post about President Trump’s association with Jeffrey Epstein but keeping others that irritated Trump. Investors were worried about the impact on Tesla, with shares plummeting over 14% before recovering.
Vice President JD Vance and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles intervened, calling Musk to urge him to end the feud. Tesla investors had hoped Trump would reduce regulatory scrutiny of Musk’s self-driving cars. Musk confirmed Tesla’s rollout of "robotaxis" in Austin, Texas, is scheduled for June 22.
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