Tech billionaire Elon Musk has publicly expressed regret over his recent online feud with U.S. President Donald Trump, acknowledging that some of his posts “went too far.”
In a Wednesday post on his social media platform X, Musk signaled a possible attempt to de-escalate tensions, writing: “I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.” He did not specify which posts he was referring to.
The spat between Musk and Trump began on June 6 after Musk criticized Trump’s tax and spending proposal, dubbed the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” Musk described the legislation—a key part of Trump’s second-term agenda featuring extensive tax cuts, increased defense spending, and funding for immigration enforcement—as a “disgusting abomination.”
The disagreement escalated when Musk suggested political retribution against Republicans who supported the bill, hinting at funding primary challengers. Trump responded with a warning of “very serious consequences” should Musk back Democrats in upcoming elections. Speaking to NBC News, Trump said, “He’ll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that,” adding he had “no intention of speaking to him.”
Tensions worsened after Musk posted a now-deleted claim alleging Trump’s name appeared in sealed documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Musk wrote, “Time to drop the really big bomb: (Trump) is in the Epstein files,” urging followers to “mark this post for the future.” However, no evidence was provided, and the posts were swiftly removed.
Trump dismissed the accusation as baseless and “old news,” citing statements from Epstein’s own lawyer that Trump had no involvement in any crimes.
The public spat caught many by surprise given the previously cordial relationship between the two. Musk had served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an advisory body under Trump focused on cutting federal expenditures.
Despite the heated exchange, sources close to Musk told Reuters his anger is subsiding and that he may seek to repair ties with the president. Both Musk and Trump have voiced support for stronger enforcement measures amid escalating protests in Los Angeles over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
However, Trump has shown little interest in reconciliation. “Our relationship is over,” he told CNN last weekend, though he added he would not object if Musk “called and wished him well.”
