Elon Musk expresses regret over harsh criticism of Donald Trump after a heated public fallout sparked by a controversial spending bill and deleted Epstein claims.
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| After a week of public clashes over policy and personal allegations, Elon Musk retracts harsh remarks about Donald Trump, calling some posts “too far.” Image: CH |
Washington, USA – June 11, 2025:
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, said on Wednesday he regrets his recent harsh criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling a possible cooling of tensions after a week-long public dispute.
“I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far,” Musk posted on X, the social platform he owns. The statement follows a public spat between the two high-profile figures, ignited by Musk’s condemnation of a controversial federal spending bill currently before Congress.
Musk had called the bill an “abomination” and reportedly considered funding primary challengers against Republicans who supported it. In response, Trump threatened "serious consequences" and accused Musk of being "disrespectful," suggesting the government could slash billions in subsidies and contracts to Musk’s companies—valued at an estimated $18 billion.
Tensions escalated when Musk made explosive, now-deleted posts on X, implying Trump’s name appeared in sealed government documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Though Trump was mentioned in unsealed court documents earlier this year, he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
The fallout marked a significant rift between two former allies. Musk was a major financial backer of Trump’s 2024 campaign and briefly served as a special advisor on government efficiency. While the relationship appeared amicable just weeks ago, it rapidly soured in the wake of the spending bill controversy.
Despite the harsh exchanges—including Trump saying he had "no intention" of speaking with Musk—the two figures appear to be stepping back from the brink. Trump, when asked by reporters, said, “I just wish him well,” while Musk replied with a simple “Likewise” on X.
Musk also claimed in an earlier post, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” emphasizing his influence on Republican success in 2024. However, his recent climbdown suggests a reassessment of that influence amid growing political and financial stakes.
As the 2025 political landscape evolves, both Trump and Musk face strategic calculations. For Musk, federal contracts and regulatory relationships remain vital to his business empire. For Trump, consolidating party loyalty and avoiding distractions ahead of legislative battles may be key.
Whether their détente holds or erupts again remains to be seen—but for now, both parties seem interested in lowering the temperature.