Trump Forgives Musk Misstep But Friendship Holds Strong

Updated on Oct - 28 - 2025, 05:25 PM

In a revealing moment of candour, Donald Trump shared publicly that his relationship with Elon Musk remains “good” despite what he called a “very stupid moment” on Musk’s part earlier this year. Speaking aboard Air Force One en route from Malaysia to Japan, Trump said: “I like Elon, I’ve always liked him… He had a bad moment … but I suspect I always will.”

The back-story: Musk, the tech-magnate and social-media provocateur, had taken issue with what he called the “Big Beautiful Bill” backed during Trump’s administration, and later made a cryptic tweet about the Jeffrey Epstein files, which he ultimately deleted. That tension cooled now as Trump signalled a readiness to move past the friction and advance their ties.

It’s noteworthy: Trump emphasised that the “bad spell” Musk experienced was “in his life” and that Musk likely would admit the misstep. But for Trump, the enduring element is the personal connection: “I like Elon … and I suspect I always will.” While the words may appear casual, the message is clear: alliances even high-profile ones have room for missteps if the foundational bond holds.

In the tech and political worlds, public signals matter. The two men have walked closely at times: Musk supported Trump during the 2024 campaign and donated heavily. When a rift appears, how it’s handled publicly reveals much about strategy and image. Trump’s comments suggest a desire to retain Musk in his orbit, highlighting how personal rapport remains relevant in the battle for influence.

But the episode also underscores a larger truth: in contemporary politics and business, mistakes make headlines, and how you respond to them counts. Musk’s “stupid moment” was both a setback and an opportunity for reconciliation. Trump’s framing signals that even in the face of criticism, goodwill can persist.

As the world watches what Musk and Trump might collaborate on next whether in social platforms, politics or business this episode adds a human layer to the power-play: ego, error, and enduring friendship.