President Donald Trump said Elon Musk is a "friend of mine again" while traveling to China in May 2026 [1].
This shift in rhetoric follows a period of public hostility between the U.S. president and the Tesla and SpaceX CEO. The reconciliation suggests a strategic realignment between the administration and one of the world's most influential tech leaders during a critical diplomatic mission.
Trump said Musk's intellect is "80% brilliant" during the trip [1]. The president said Musk "had a bad moment," but the invitation to travel aboard Air Force One indicates a significant move toward cooperation [2].
The relationship between the two men had deteriorated significantly during a bitter feud that began in 2025 [1]. This conflict was marked by public disagreements and sharp criticisms from both sides. Approximately eight months prior to the May 2026 trip, Trump said Musk was "susceptible" regarding his ties to China [2].
Musk's business interests remain heavily tied to the region. Tesla generates 22% of its revenue from China [2]. The decision to include Musk on the presidential aircraft suggests that the administration may be leveraging Musk's industrial connections, or seeking a more stable partnership with the electric vehicle giant.
Trump's comments signal a potential end to the public tensions that defined their interactions over the previous year. By labeling Musk a friend again, the president is publicly pivoting away from the accusations of susceptibility that characterized their earlier disputes [1].
“"Elon Musk is a friend of mine again."”
The reconciliation between President Trump and Elon Musk likely reflects the intersection of U.S. foreign policy and global commerce. Given Tesla's significant financial reliance on the Chinese market, Musk serves as a unique bridge between the U.S. executive branch and Chinese industrial interests. This thaw may indicate a move toward a more pragmatic, business-centric approach to U.S.-China relations.
