Elon Musk apologizes and claims that Trump’s posts were excessive.
Elon Musk has expressed regret over several of his past posts about US President Donald Trump, acknowledging that he “went too far” during their public feud on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The billionaire tech mogul, who has frequently clashed with Trump online, admitted that some of his comments may have crossed the line and said he is trying to take a more measured approach moving forward. Musk’s remarks come amid growing attention on his online conduct and the influence of his statements in political circles.
Elon Musk Apologises Over Posts About Donald Trump, Says “Went Too Far”
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has publicly expressed regret over a series of inflammatory posts he made about United States President Donald Trump last week. The posts, made on Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter), drew widespread attention and sparked a fierce war of words between two of the most influential figures in American politics and business.
In a notable shift in tone, Musk admitted that some of his comments targeting President Trump during their public feud were inappropriate and crossed a line. It’s important to keep disagreements civil, especially when so much is at stake,” Musk said in a brief statement on X, signalling a possible de-escalation in their ongoing conflict.
The Feud Unfolds
The spat between Musk and Trump erupted following a series of high-profile interviews and online exchanges. Tensions began to escalate after Musk, who had previously served in advisory roles under the Trump administration, publicly criticised the Republican Party’s latest tax bill proposal. Musk argued that the proposed legislation unfairly benefits the ultra-wealthy while failing to address broader economic concerns.
Trump, in turn, lashed out at Musk during a televised interview, calling him “a disloyal businessman” and “a chaos merchant,” referring to Musk’s unpredictable and often controversial public behaviour. “He thinks because he owns a few companies, he runs the country. He doesn’t,” Trump said.
The feud intensified further when Musk took to X with a series of provocative posts, including a particularly explosive allegation regarding the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Explosive Allegations About Epstein
In a now-deleted post from June 6, Musk alleged that Donald Trump was listed in the infamous Jeffrey Epstein files, which remain sealed by the US government. Have a nice day, DJT! Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out,” Musk wrote.
The post sent shockwaves across social media and news platforms, with users and political commentators demanding clarity and evidence. The claim, however, was widely criticised as baseless and inflammatory, and Musk removed the post on June 7 without providing any follow-up or supporting documentation.
Despite the deletion, the damage had been done. Supporters of Trump decried the post as “defamatory” and “reckless,” while others expressed concern over Musk’s increasing use of his platform to engage in political vendettas.
Regret and Reflection
By June 10, signs emerged that both parties were ready to tone down their rhetoric. Musk, who has in the past oscillated between praising and criticising Trump, acknowledged that the heated nature of their online exchange had gone too far. I value truth and transparency, but that post was inappropriate,” he wrote on X.
Meanwhile, when asked by reporters whether he intended to reach out to Musk to resolve the issue, President Trump offered a surprisingly measured response. “I haven’t really thought about it actually. Maybe he’s already called. You’d have to ask him,” Trump said.
The president’s response suggested a potential thawing of relations between the two former allies, who have previously shown mutual admiration in various interviews and press conferences. Musk had once praised Trump’s stance on deregulation and his push for space exploration, while Trump often highlighted Musk as a “brilliant innovator.”
A Complex Relationship
The saga between Elon Musk and Donald Trump reflects the complex and often volatile relationship between two of the world’s most high-profile personalities. Their interactions have ranged from friendly cooperation to bitter public disputes.
In 2017, Musk served on two White House advisory councils under the Trump administration but resigned later that year over Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. Since then, the relationship has been largely transactional, with both men using public platforms to send pointed messages to each other.
Despite their ideological and personal differences, Musk and Trump continue to wield enormous influence across technology, politics, and media. Observers note that their interactions are often shaped by broader political currents and shifting public sentiments.
Looking Ahead
As the US gears up for the 2024 presidential election, both Trump and Musk are expected to remain prominent figures in the national discourse. While Trump continues to campaign for a return to the White House, Musk’s influence over the tech sector, social media, and even political opinion has grown steadily.
Whether the latest episode in the Musk-Trump saga marks the end of their feud or merely a pause remains to be seen. But for now, Elon Musk’s apology signals a recognition that even billionaires must tread carefully when personal rivalries spill into the public arena.