Trump and Musk reconcile over $100 million - media
Musk plans to focus the funds on a campaign to mobilize voters in key states, but has no plans to return to politics. At the same time, the parties maintain regular contact and discuss artificial intelligence, China and international events.
Trump and Musk reconcile over $100 million – media
Billionaire Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump have restored their relationship after a public disagreement last summer. This rapprochement was facilitated by negotiations with White House officials, mutual acquaintances and several meetings, including a meeting on the occasion of the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This is reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing its sources.
During Trump's trip to China in May, Musk again accompanied the president on Air Force One. According to sources, they had a friendly conversation. Musk announced that he would support the Republicans in the midterm elections and intends to spend at least $100 million on this. The newspaper clarified that this amount is intended for events aimed at increasing voter turnout. The businessman himself has stated that he intends to participate less in politics.
After the June 2018 spat, Vice President Jay Dee Vance and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles reached out to Musk, who later called Trump to apologize for some of his comments. The spat was sparked by disagreements over the administration's tax bill.
Now back on track, Trump and Musk talk about once a month, discussing artificial intelligence, China and international affairs. Meanwhile, Trump believes their relationship is no longer as close as it once was, according to unnamed aides.
The rift between Trump and Musk escalated in the summer of 2025 after the White House decided to withdraw Jared Isaacman, Musk's supporter, from his nomination to head NASA. Musk later criticized Trump's proposed spending and tax bill, after which the parties switched to public accusations of each other. In particular, Trump threatened to cut off government subsidies and contracts for Musk's companies.
Musk later deleted some of his posts criticizing the president and admitted that some of his comments had been "extreme." Trump called this step "very nice" and later said that although Musk "behaved a little strangely" during the conflict, he still considered him a friend.
The WP also wrote that US Vice President Jay Dee Vance played a role in the reconciliation between Trump and Musk. According to the newspaper, he dissuaded Musk from the idea of creating his own party, which he announced after the quarrel with the president. After the reconciliation, Musk made another appearance at a White House dinner in November in honor of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.