Elon Musk’s online feud with former U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a notable turn, as the tech billionaire publicly expressed regret over some of his more controversial social media posts made last week.
Musk's Apology
On June 11, Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“I regret some of my posts about President Donald Trump last week. They went too far.”
The brief message marks a rare public backtrack from Musk, whose posts often remain provocative and unfiltered — even amid controversy.
Background: What Sparked the Feud
The conflict began after Musk:
-
Stepped down from a government advisory role, citing opposition to the Republican Party’s new tax bill, which he called a
“disgusting abomination.”
-
Threatened to fund primary challengers against GOP lawmakers supporting the bill, prompting Trump to fire back in a TV interview:
“He’ll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that.”
This exchange triggered a spiral of social media posts from Musk, including a now-deleted allegation that Trump was connected to Jeffrey Epstein and that the government had suppressed files for that reason.
Musk’s Explosive Epstein Allegation
-
Musk claimed Trump may be linked to the “Epstein list,” suggesting this as a reason for the withholding of related documents.
-
The post lacked evidence and specifics and was removed quietly a few days later.
-
Musk wrote:
“Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out.”
Trump’s Response
In an NBC News interview, Trump:
-
Called the Epstein claim “old news,”
-
Reiterated that he had no ties to Epstein, quoting Epstein's own lawyer:
“Even Epstein’s lawyer said I had nothing to do with it.”
-
Made clear there’s no interest in reconciliation, issuing a stern warning about potential political retaliation.
Why This Matters
-
Elon Musk and Donald Trump have oscillated between cautious admiration and open conflict over the years.
-
This latest episode adds a new layer of tension between tech power and political power in an election season where both wield massive influence.
-
Musk’s initial aggression, followed by a surprising softening, could signal pressure from political, legal, or business allies concerned about escalation.
Potential Fallout
-
Musk’s companies — Tesla, SpaceX, X, and Neuralink — could face increased scrutiny from regulators or lawmakers, particularly with Trump hinting at “serious consequences.”
-
The apology may be a damage-control move, but the episode underscores how Musk’s online presence continues to blur the line between personal expression and public influence.
In a political climate where billionaires and former presidents exchange fire online, the Musk-Trump rift is more than just personal — it reflects a larger collision between tech power, political egos, and public accountability. Whether this public détente holds remains to be seen.
