Elon Musk seems to have rekindled his friendly relationship with US President Donald Trump a few months after a public disagreement on social media.
On Wednesday, November 19, Trump, aged 79, delivered a speech at the US-Saudi Investment Forum where he spoke about his “Big Beautiful Bill” and its advantages for American consumers.
During his speech, Trump highlighted special deductions for domestic car purchases included in the government’s spending plans.
While explaining the deduction, Trump acknowledged Musk, 54, saying, “If they buy a nice Tesla car and borrow the money —” then paused to add, “You are so lucky I am with you, Elon.”
He then quipped to the audience: “Has he ever thanked me properly?”
Although Musk stayed silent at the moment, just hours later, the Tesla CEO expressed his appreciation on social media.
Posting on X, Musk shared a selection of photos from the event, writing: “I would like to thank President Trump for all he has done for America and the world.”
The Forum on Wednesday occurred just a day after Musk received a personal invitation to a black-tie dinner at the White House with prominent world leaders – an event that seemed unlikely earlier in the year after a public disagreement with Trump.
From January until May 30, Musk led the Department of Government Efficiency but was removed at the beginning of summer due to a disagreement with Trump over the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’.
“I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore,” Musk wrote in an X post at the time. “This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.”
Trump responded harshly to the criticism, labeling Musk a ‘train wreck’ and accusing him of ‘going off the rails’ in a series of posts.
After months of silence, signs of reconciliation emerged in September when both attended a memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
During the service, Trump delivered a 40-minute speech honoring Kirk, and later Musk attempted to mend fences by greeting the President.
Trump remarked to the White House press pool, “Elon came over and said hello. I thought it was nice. He came over, we had a little conversation. We had a very good relationship, but it was nice that he came over.”