Elon Musk Regrets “Going Too Far” with Donald Trump Posts Amid Tesla Turbulence
Billionaire CEO backtracks after public feud with U.S. President sparks political and business backlash
San Francisco, June 11: Elon Musk has publicly expressed regret over a series of inflammatory social media posts he made about U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a rare moment of restraint from the tech magnate whose online remarks often ignite political and market turbulence.
The apology, delivered in a brief but pointed statement on X (formerly Twitter), comes after a week of escalating tension between the two high-profile figures. “I regret some of my posts about President Donald Trump last week. They went too far,” Musk wrote on Tuesday. The admission has immediately shifted the tone of a feud that had rapidly spiraled into an all-out digital brawl.
I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 11, 2025
Tech Titan Backs Down from Escalating Feud
The fallout began when Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, launched into a scathing critique of Trump’s proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—a sweeping piece of fiscal legislation widely seen as an attempt by Trump to solidify his campaign platform for the 2024 presidential race. Musk lambasted the bill as a “disgusting abomination” in an earlier post, sharply questioning its long-term economic viability and warning of what he called “budgetary suicide” if the policy were enacted.
What followed was a stream of unfiltered accusations, including now-deleted claims linking Trump to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. While Musk did not elaborate or provide evidence, the mere insinuation stirred intense speculation and further inflamed Trump’s camp.
In response, Trump took a characteristically combative stance. As per reports from MarketWatch, he threatened to “review all federal contracts” involving Musk’s companies, a move that could potentially affect billions in U.S. government spending related to SpaceX’s satellite and defense projects.
Apology Calms Tesla Shares, Signals Tactical Shift
While the nature of Musk’s regret remains ambiguous—he did not specify which posts he considered over the line—the timing of his apology appears strategic. Following his initial tirades, Tesla stock saw brief volatility, dipping amid fears of political retaliation. But after the apology circulated, shares edged up nearly 2% on Robinhood, suggesting a modest return of investor confidence.
Analysts at Morgan Stanley, who had previously theorized that Musk’s attacks might be a calculated maneuver to gain political leverage or distract from regulatory scrutiny, now see the retraction as evidence of a more personal miscalculation. “This was not a power play. This was a misstep,” a senior analyst told the Guardian.
Meanwhile, Musk’s decision to walk back his remarks comes at a sensitive juncture for Tesla, which is slated to launch its much-anticipated robotaxi service on June 22. The high-stakes rollout could hinge on regulatory goodwill—particularly from federal transportation bodies still heavily influenced by Trump-era appointees.
Trump’s Measured Response Suggests a Pause, Not a Truce
Surprisingly, Trump’s response to Musk’s apology was more measured than expected. While the president did not issue a formal statement, he told Fox News that he “would not have a problem if Musk called and wished him well,” adding fuel to speculation that the two may be seeking to de-escalate their very public feud.
That said, political insiders remain cautious. Trump has a history of renewing hostilities once the spotlight dims. Given Musk’s unpredictable online behavior and Trump’s penchant for counterpunching, few are betting on lasting peace.
“This might be a pause, not a truce,” said a Washington-based political strategist. “Both men have massive egos, loyal bases, and overlapping business interests. It’s only a matter of time before the next flare-up.”
Broader Stakes for Big Tech and the 2024 Race
Musk’s apology isn’t just about optics—it may reflect broader anxiety in the tech industry about aligning too closely with or against political figures as the U.S. 2024 election cycle heats up. With regulatory scrutiny intensifying over AI, electric vehicles, and space technology, companies like Tesla and SpaceX are walking a delicate line between innovation and political entanglement.
Meanwhile, Musk’s pivot from Trump critic to contrite figure highlights the unpredictable intersection of tech, politics, and public discourse. Just a few years ago, Musk was seen as a free speech absolutist who reveled in controversy. His more recent behavior, including self-censorship and reconciliation attempts, points to an evolving awareness of the real-world impact of his words.
It also raises questions about whether this signals a broader recalibration of his public persona. “Musk has always thrived on chaos,” noted one former Tesla executive. “But even he must realize that alienating a potential future president—and a significant share of American voters—has real consequences.”
A Calculated Retreat or a Genuine Change?
Though Musk’s apology has dampened tensions for now, the underlying dynamics haven’t changed. Both he and Trump command immense influence in their respective spheres. Their words carry economic, political, and social weight, particularly in an era where policy announcements, stock movements, and cultural shifts increasingly originate not in press conferences, but in 280-character bursts.
Whether Musk’s recent statement marks a genuine shift in tone or simply a momentary retreat remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in the volatile mix of U.S. politics and tech moguldom, no moment of quiet ever lasts long.
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Ravi Juneja is a student journalist currently pursuing his degree from Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication. With a passion for factual reporting and public interest stories, he covers a wide spectrum of news at Hindustan Herald, including politics, health, technology, entertainment, and global affairs. Ravi is committed to delivering balanced, research-backed journalism with a strong sense of responsibility and independence.
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Amit Singh is a Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald, where he covers the intricate dynamics of Indian politics and global geopolitical shifts. Currently pursuing his studies at Delhi University, Amit brings a keen analytical mind and a passion for factual reporting to his daily coverage, providing readers with well-researched insights into the forces shaping national and international affairs.
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