Billionaire Elon Musk returned to the White House on 18/11, among nearly 140 guests attending a dinner to welcome Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the US. This marked his first public appearance at the White House since stepping down as head of the Government Performance Board (DOGE) in May.
Dressed in a sleek black suit, Musk mingled with other wealthy and famous guests, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, renowned golfer Bryson DeChambeau, football star Cristiano Ronaldo, and several members of the Trump family. The atmosphere suggested that the public feud between Musk and President Trump, which erupted nearly six months prior, had never occurred.
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Trump shakes hands with Elon Musk while observing the 6th Starship launch in Brownsville, Texas, on 19/11. Photo: AFP |
Trump shakes hands with Elon Musk while observing the 6th Starship launch in Brownsville, Texas, on 19/11. Photo: AFP
At the peak of their relationship, Musk had stayed overnight at the White House, traveled with Trump on Air Force One, and attended Cabinet meetings as the DOGE leader. However, a conflict arose after Musk voiced concerns about the "Beautiful Act," which President Trump supported.
Tensions escalated significantly thereafter. On 5/6, President Trump threatened to halt federal funding for SpaceX and Tesla, two of Musk's companies. In response, Musk claimed the President's name appeared in files related to pedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. Musk left the White House in a rage, leaving a relationship that seemed beyond repair.
"He had a bad period, a bad time," Trump told reporters on Air Force One on 27/10, speaking about Musk. "I'm sure he would tell you that. But I like Elon and I'm afraid I'll always like him."
President Trump invited Musk to two days of events welcoming the Saudi Crown Prince and mentioned the billionaire several times in his speech on 19/11. "Elon, you're lucky to have me around. Have you properly thanked me yet?" Trump quipped while introducing new tax incentives for US-made cars.
Trump also referenced the 2024 election campaign, calling Musk a major donor and recounting their discussions on strategies to attack Democrats regarding border issues and transgender athletes in sports. "I told everyone, 'don't bring that up yet, wait until two weeks before the election and give the other side a good beating.' We talked about that, didn't we, Elon?" Trump recalled.
The reconciliation between Trump and Elon Musk is believed to be the result of quiet efforts by the US President's associates and advisors, notably Vice President JD Vance and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Vance and Wiles reassured billionaire Musk that he always had a direct line of communication to the White House, adding that they were willing to be "trusted intermediaries" if the billionaire wished to support the administration. Wiles praised Musk's contributions to streamlining government while he was head of DOGE and "did not want to lose that achievement."
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President Trump and Elon Musk converse at a Charlie Kirk memorial in Arizona on 21/9. Photo: AP |
President Trump and Elon Musk converse at a Charlie Kirk memorial in Arizona on 21/9. Photo: AP
These discreet contacts between the two sides helped rebuild trust, thereby accelerating the reconciliation process between Musk and the White House. A White House source stated that Elon Musk trusts Wiles and Vance "more than anyone."
The results of these efforts began to emerge when Trump and Musk had a direct conversation at a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Arizona on 21/9.
A significant turning point was the decision by Dan Scavino, Director of the Presidential Personnel Office, to reinstate the nomination of former astronaut Jared Isaacman for NASA leadership on 4/11.
Isaacman is a close friend and a candidate recommended by Musk himself. However, on 31/5, Trump had removed Isaacman from the list at the suggestion of Sergio Gor, Scavino's predecessor. Musk was furious about this move, believing Gor intentionally sabotaged his friend's career in retaliation after Musk publicly criticized Gor for "slow recruitment" in front of the President.
Gor now serves as the US Ambassador to India, which many see as a "soft landing" for him after damaging the President's political agenda due to personal grievances. Sources indicate that Wiles consistently acted as a "mediator" behind the scenes, working with Vance to resolve issues and mend rifts "for the common good." Musk's announcement in early July that he would form the "American Party" and threatened to splinter Republican votes further compelled the White House to accelerate reconciliation efforts.
"Wiles and Vance value Musk's genuine support for the administration and the President's goals," a close source said, adding that Trump was also open to reconciliation efforts.
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Trump speaks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, billionaire Elon Musk, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and others at an event at the Kennedy Center on 19/11. Photo: AP |
Trump speaks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, billionaire Elon Musk, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and others at an event at the Kennedy Center on 19/11. Photo: AP
Sources familiar with the relationship shared that Musk's motivation for reconciliation is not solely driven by business interests, despite his xAI company recently announcing a partnership to build a large data center in Saudi Arabia. "If it were just for personal gain, he wouldn't have needed to attend the party. He genuinely supports and is ready to join America's team," the source said.
Musk also participated in a discussion on AI and technology advancements at the US-Saudi investment forum in Washington on 19/11, an event attended by both Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed.
The US billionaire, who donated over USD 300 million to Trump's 2024 campaign, last week publicly endorsed Republican Congressman Byron Donalds in the race for Florida governor.
"The relationship between Trump and Musk has truly thawed," a White House source commented.
Thanh Tam (According to NY Post, USA Today, Daily Beast)
