WASHINGTON — President Trump is expressing positivity following Elon Musk’s recent apology, in which the billionaire acknowledged he had crossed a line with his personal attacks on the former president. During a brief phone conversation with The Post, Trump remarked, “I thought it was very nice that he did that,” although he did not clarify whether he would consider reconciling with Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX.
Musk’s remarks on social media last week escalated tensions, as he controversially claimed that Trump’s success in the upcoming 2024 election would not be possible without his support. He also implied that Trump was responsible for hindering the release of documents related to convicted felon Jeffrey Epstein due to their past connections. Following backlash, Musk publicly expressed regret for his comments with an apology posted late Tuesday, subsequently deleting his previous post regarding the Epstein files.
In recent exchanges, Trump had accused Musk of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and of holding resentment towards him after losing his position and the subsequent removal of electric vehicle tax incentives from significant legislation. Despite their discord, the president has expressed an openness to moving past their differences, stating he feels “a little disappointed” yet holds no hard feelings toward Musk.
On a podcast, Trump mentioned, “I guess I could [return to a regular relationship with Musk], but we have to straighten out the country.” This sentiment reflects Trump’s larger ambition of restoring the nation to new heights, showcasing his commitment to a hopeful future.
The back-and-forth between the two prominent figures highlights the complexities of political alliances and personal grievances, ultimately leaving room for potential reconciliation should both parties choose to move forward constructively.