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Musk Says He Regrets Harsh Posts on Trump, Signals Truce
Elon Musk has publicly admitted regret over some of the strongly worded social media posts he made against US President Donald Trump. In a rare backtrack, Musk wrote, “I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.”
This statement marks a significant de-escalation after a highly publicised digital feud that saw Musk accusing Trump of everything from corruption to withholding key documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The posts, which Musk has since deleted, also included calls for Trump’s impeachment and harsh criticism of his proposed spending bill, which Musk had labeled as a “disgusting abomination.”
Financial Blowback for Musk
The online conflict had real-world consequences. Tesla’s stock suffered a near 15% dip, resulting in an estimated $34 billion in lost market value. The timing of the controversy was particularly damaging, as Tesla is set to unveil its much-anticipated Robotaxi service later this month. Following Musk’s public apology, Tesla shares began recovering, posting a modest 2% gain in early trading sessions.
Trump’s Response and Softening Tone
Trump had earlier responded to Musk’s accusations by calling him someone who had “lost his mind” and hinted at reviewing federal contracts linked to Musk’s ventures. However, following Musk’s regretful statement, Trump appeared to ease his tone, saying, “I had a great relationship and I wish him well – very well, actually.” Musk acknowledged the sentiment by responding with a heart emoji.
Strategic Reset Ahead of Big Launches
The apology appears to be part of a broader damage control effort, especially with Musk’s AI venture xAI and other product rollouts on the horizon. Financial analysts have noted the strategic necessity of Musk avoiding further entanglements with politically powerful figures. Many view this latest episode as a cautionary tale about the risks of impulsive political commentary from corporate leaders, particularly when billions in shareholder value are at stake.
As the dust settles, Musk’s attempt to mend fences could help shield his business interests from political retaliation. Whether the truce holds in the long run, however, will depend on whether both parties can resist reigniting their online rivalry. For now, Musk seems to be choosing diplomacy over disruption.
