Elon Musk publicly expressed regret on Wednesday over a series of critical social media posts directed at President Donald J. Trump, stating that his comments “went too far.”
The statement follows several days of escalating tension between the billionaire CEO and the current U.S. president, marking a notable reversal in tone amid mounting political and market pressure.
In a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter and owned by Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX chief executive wrote: “I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.” Musk did not specify which statements he was referring to, but his comments come after he had described Trump’s key legislative proposal—the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—as a “disgusting abomination.”
Musk had also invoked Trump’s name in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein case, a claim that was later deleted and widely criticized for lack of evidence.
The public confrontation prompted President Trump to respond sharply, stating that his administration’s relationship with Musk was “over” and warning that federal support for Musk-affiliated companies could be re-evaluated. The president’s comments triggered concern among investors, particularly regarding Tesla’s reliance on government contracts and tax incentives.
Following Musk’s expression of regret, Tesla shares rose by 2.5 percent in early trading, suggesting market approval of the de-escalation. According to sources familiar with the matter, Musk’s statement was aimed at restoring stability and preserving business ties as well as mitigating political fallout.
President Trump has reportedly responded in private by softening his position. According to White House aides, the president said he would not object to a renewed conversation with Musk if approached directly, though no formal contact has been reported since the exchange.
The incident drew widespread attention due to both men’s influence in business and politics. Musk, who previously served as an adviser during Trump’s first term, has long navigated a complex relationship with Washington. His latest remarks signal a potential attempt to recalibrate that dynamic during Trump’s current term as the 47th president of the United States.
Observers note that Musk’s use of his own platform to express political opinions continues to carry substantial consequences, not only for his companies but also for broader public discourse. His acknowledgment of excess in tone marks a rare public admission from the tech magnate, who has often defended his unfiltered style.
As of Wednesday, neither the White House nor Musk’s companies had issued further statements. It remains unclear whether this exchange will lead to a reconciliation or simply a temporary pause in a high-profile conflict at the intersection of technology, politics, and power.
