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From Allies to Frenemies: Why Elon Musk is Backtracking on Trump Criticism

Published

3 months ago

June 11, 2025

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Sourced: X {https://x.com/joni_askola/status/1930675743010234428}

The world’s richest man and America’s most controversial president just had a very public breakup. Now Elon Musk says he might have taken things too far.

A friendship that once looked politically unshakable is now showing cracks under the weight of ego, power, and money.

Regrets, but No Apologies

In a brief but telling post on X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk admitted Wednesday that he might have crossed a line in his criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump.

“I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far,” Musk wrote.

It was a rare moment of public backtracking from a man not exactly known for second-guessing himself.

But this isn’t just a petty online squabble it’s a clash between two titans of modern conservatism with real consequences for U.S. politics and business.

The Fallout Over a “Big, Beautiful” Bill

The drama kicked off when Musk tore into a Republican-backed spending bill currently before Congress, calling it an “abomination” and warning it could define Trump’s second term. He also hinted at bankrolling primary challenges against GOP lawmakers who supported it.

That didn’t sit well with Trump.

Speaking to NBC, Trump warned Musk of “very serious consequences” if he interfered with Republican unity and labeled the Tesla CEO “disrespectful.” The tone was a far cry from the warm send-off Musk received just two weeks earlier when he stepped down from his advisory role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“I was surprised,” Trump told reporters. “Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore.”

“Such Ingratitude”

Musk fired back, claiming his support helped Trump win the 2024 election. “Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” he posted. “Such ingratitude.”

His words weren’t just pointed they were personal. The tech mogul, who was the largest financial backer of Trump’s 2024 campaign, accused the president of turning on him after benefiting from his influence and money.

Things escalated when Musk suggested that Trump appears in unreleased government files tied to Jeffrey Epstein — an explosive allegation Musk later deleted.

Trump denied everything and implied cutting billions in federal contracts to Musk’s companies reportedly worth $18 billion, would be “the easiest way” to save government money.

Backpedal and the “Wish Him Well” Moment

After a weekend of tensions boiling over, the two seemed to cool things down by Friday. Trump told reporters, “I just wish him well,” and Musk responded with a simple “Likewise” on X.

While the public olive branch may have soothed market nerves, it left a lot of political watchers wondering what this means for the future of Republican tech alliances and Musk’s own political ambitions.

Why This Public Rift Matters

South Africans watching from afar may feel a sense of déjà vu. Musk, born in Pretoria and known for his maverick stances, often reminds the world of his outsider status. Yet, in the U.S., he’s an insider among Republican kingmakers, until now.

This feud also highlights how tech billionaires are increasingly reshaping global politics. Musk isn’t just a CEO — he’s a political force, media owner, and opinion leader. Trump, never one to play second fiddle, clearly didn’t like that.

Social media has lit up with commentary. Some conservatives cheered Musk for speaking truth to power, while others accused him of betraying the party. Progressive voices questioned how someone as powerful as Musk can cry foul while still benefiting from enormous government subsidies.

And, of course, the Epstein allegations even if unproven have added fuel to an already flammable situation.

What Comes Next?

Whether this falling-out is permanent or just another chaotic chapter in the Musk-Trump saga remains to be seen. Both men have proven they can flip narratives on a dime. And with 2025 shaping up to be another intense election cycle, don’t be surprised if they find their way back into each other’s good graces especially if it benefits them both.

For now, the bromance is officially on ice.