Donald Trump said that Elon Musk is now "a friend of mine again" during a recent interview with CNBC TV18 [1].
The reconciliation comes as the U.S. president seeks to move past previous public conflicts to focus on his administration's broader agenda. This shift is particularly significant as the administration manages high-stakes trade negotiations with China [3, 4].
Trump said that Musk "had a bad moment" [1]. He said the period of tension was a "very bad moment" [1]. Despite the previous friction, Trump described Musk as "80% brilliant" [2].
The two figures experienced a bitter public feud in 2025 [2]. During that period, tensions rose over various policy and personal disagreements, including Trump's previous assertions that Musk was susceptible to Chinese influence [4].
While Trump has publicly embraced the reconciliation, other reports suggest the White House has attempted to downplay the narrative. Some accounts indicate the administration sought to shut down discussions regarding a formal call for reconciliation [2].
Trump's current stance marks a departure from the hostility of the previous year. By framing the conflict as a temporary lapse, the president is positioning himself to potentially leverage Musk's influence and resources for future initiatives [3].
“"Elon had a bad moment. Now he's a friend of mine again."”
The shift from a public feud to a stated friendship suggests a pragmatic realignment. By reconciling with Musk, Trump may be attempting to secure strategic support or a neutral relationship with one of the world's wealthiest individuals, especially as the U.S. navigates complex economic and technological competition with China.
