Elon Musk publicly issued a rare apology to President Trump after making unfounded claims linking him to Jeffrey Epstein, but the damage to their once-close relationship appears irreparable.
Key Takeaways
- Musk apologized at 3:04 a.m. ET for posts claiming Trump appeared in Epstein files and calling for his impeachment
- Before the public apology, Musk had a private phone call with President Trump on June 10
- Musk has deleted his most controversial posts and left his role heading the Department of Government Efficiency
- Trump acknowledged the apology but indicated their relationship is likely over
- The feud began when Musk criticized Trump’s domestic policy bill as a “disgusting abomination”
Musk’s Late-Night Apology
In a remarkable development, tech billionaire Elon Musk issued a public apology to President Donald Trump early Tuesday morning, walking back several inflammatory claims he had made against the president. The apology, posted at 3:04 a.m. Eastern Time on X (formerly Twitter), came after days of escalating tensions between the two high-profile figures. Musk acknowledged that his recent posts about Trump had crossed a line, particularly his unsubstantiated claim that Trump was mentioned in Jeffrey Epstein-related documents and his call for Trump’s impeachment.
“I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far,” said Elon Musk.
Shortly after making the apology, Musk proceeded to delete several of his most controversial posts about the president. Reports indicate that prior to the public apology, Musk and Trump had a private phone call on June 10, suggesting the Tesla CEO may have first attempted to make amends privately before taking his regrets public. The conversation marks a significant shift in what had become an increasingly bitter public feud between two of America’s most powerful figures.
Trump’s Reserved Response
President Trump has maintained a notably reserved posture throughout the controversy. When asked about Musk’s apology in a call with the New York Post, Trump acknowledged it without showing much enthusiasm for reconciliation. The president’s response suggested he was ready to move on from the dispute, but not necessarily eager to repair the damaged relationship with the SpaceX founder who had been one of his key allies during his successful 2024 reelection campaign.
“I thought it was very nice that he did that,” said Donald Trump.
Despite the apology, Trump has given clear indications that the relationship may be irreparably damaged. While not expressing outright animosity toward Musk, the president has suggested that their once-close partnership has likely run its course. Trump has refrained from escalating the situation further, maintaining his presidential demeanor and focusing instead on his administration’s agenda rather than the personal dispute with Musk.
“I’m not thinking about Elon. I just wish him well,” said Donald Trump.
The Rift That Tore Apart A Political Alliance
The fallout between Musk and Trump represents the collapse of what had been one of the most powerful political alliances in recent American history. Following Trump’s 2024 election victory, Musk had been appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role he has now departed. The fracture began when Musk publicly criticized Trump’s domestic policy bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” – language that shocked many political observers given Musk’s previously steadfast support for the president’s agenda.
The situation escalated dramatically when Musk made the explosive claim that Trump’s name appeared in Jeffrey Epstein files – an allegation Vice President JD Vance promptly declared was “absolutely not” true. Musk even went so far as to call for Trump’s impeachment, a remarkable turn for someone who had been one of the president’s most visible supporters. Trump responded by threatening federal contracts with Musk’s companies, signaling how serious the rift had become.
Political Implications
While the personal relationship between Trump and Musk appears damaged beyond repair, the president has indicated he has no plans to discontinue Musk’s Starlink system at the White House despite security concerns that have been raised. This pragmatic approach suggests Trump is separating personal grievances from policy decisions. Interestingly, Trump has suggested that the feud with Musk actually helped unite the Republican Party and gain support for his legislative agenda.
Several White House insiders, including Vice President JD Vance and Trump’s chief of staff, had reportedly urged Musk to end the fighting before the public apology was issued. The administration appears eager to move beyond this distraction and focus on governing, with Trump projecting confidence that the episode has not damaged his standing with voters or his ability to implement his agenda as the second term of his presidency continues.
