President Donald Trump delivered a measured yet assertive response to Elon Musk’s public apology on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, accepting the billionaire’s expression of regret while maintaining his administration’s position of strength following their explosive week-long feud.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Trump’s reaction during a Wednesday briefing, stating the president acknowledged the statement Musk put out and is appreciative of it. The administration simultaneously signaled it was not reviewing Musk’s government contracts, despite Trump’s earlier threats to terminate billions in federal subsidies and agreements.
Trump’s response came hours after Musk posted his early morning apology on X, writing that he regretted some of his posts about the president from the previous week because they went too far. The Tesla CEO’s capitulation marked a dramatic reversal from his aggressive attacks that included calling for Trump’s impeachment and making unsubstantiated claims about the president’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein files.
The president’s acceptance demonstrated calculated political restraint while preserving his dominant position in their relationship. Rather than escalating tensions further, Trump chose to receive the apology graciously, a move that reinforced his leverage over the world’s richest man whose business empire depends heavily on government contracts worth billions of dollars.
In a brief phone interview with the New York Post, Trump characterized Musk’s gesture positively, saying I thought it was very nice that he did that. The comment reflected Trump’s willingness to accept the olive branch while maintaining his authority as president.
The reconciliation process began after extensive White House outreach coordinated by Vice President JD Vance and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who spoke with Musk by phone. Their intervention preceded a direct conversation between Trump and Musk on Monday night that lasted only moments but proved sufficient to initiate the apology sequence.
Trump’s handling of the situation demonstrated his understanding of the mutual benefits both men derive from their relationship. While Musk provides significant financial support and technological expertise, Trump controls regulatory approval and federal contracts essential to Musk’s space exploration and electric vehicle ambitions.
The feud had originated over Trump’s signature domestic policy legislation, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which Musk characterized as a disgusting abomination that would add trillions to the federal deficit. Their dispute escalated rapidly on social media, with Musk taking credit for Trump’s election victory and suggesting the president should be impeached.
Trump had responded forcefully during the height of their conflict, threatening to terminate Musk’s governmental subsidies and contracts through a Truth Social post that described the easiest way to save billions in the budget. The president also questioned Musk’s mental state in private conversations, suggesting the billionaire had lost his mind during their public exchanges.
The financial stakes proved significant for both parties. Tesla stock plummeted 14.3 percent during their feud, losing approximately $150 billion in market value, while Musk’s personal net worth dropped by $34 billion according to Bloomberg’s analysis. The economic pressure likely contributed to Musk’s decision to seek reconciliation.
Trump’s measured response contrasted sharply with his earlier threats and personal attacks. During the peak of their dispute, he had called Musk “the man who has lost his mind” in an ABC News interview and suggested he had no intention of speaking with the Tesla CEO. His shift toward acceptance demonstrated presidential restraint and strategic thinking.
The administration’s decision not to review Musk’s government contracts represented a significant concession that preserved business relationships worth billions of dollars. SpaceX alone holds critical contracts for NASA missions and national security launches, making the company’s services nearly irreplaceable in the current space program.
Privately, Trump’s confidants described the president as more hurt than angry about what they termed Musk’s betrayal, suggesting that personal disappointment, rather than purely political calculation, drove his initial reactions. The eventual reconciliation reflected both men’s recognition that their continued cooperation served their respective interests.
Trump’s response also took into account broader political implications for Republican unity and upcoming legislative priorities. House Speaker Mike Johnson had expressed hope for a quick resolution of their dispute, noting the importance of maintaining party cohesion for passing the domestic policy bill through the Senate, where Republicans hold only a slim majority.
The president’s acceptance of Musk’s apology while maintaining his position of strength demonstrated the kind of bold leadership that defined his political brand. Rather than appearing weak through forgiveness, Trump projected confidence and control by choosing when and how to accept his former ally’s capitulation.
Industry observers noted that Trump’s handling of the situation reinforced his leverage in future dealings with other wealthy supporters and technology leaders. By demonstrating his willingness to use presidential power against even his biggest donors, Trump established clear boundaries for acceptable behavior from his allies.
The reconciliation occurred as Musk prepared to unveil Tesla’s robotaxi project later this month, highlighting the billionaire’s need for regulatory cooperation that only Trump’s administration could provide. The timing underscored the practical considerations that drove both men toward resolution rather than continued conflict.
Trump’s bold response ultimately preserved both his presidential authority and the beneficial aspects of their relationship while sending a clear message about the consequences of public disloyalty. The outcome reinforced the president’s position as the dominant figure in their alliance, ensuring future interactions would occur on his terms rather than as equals.
