After days of acrimony, President Donald Trump and Elon Musk appear to be inching toward reconciliation, signaling a potential ceasefire in their very public clash over a sweeping legislative package. The conflict, which played out across social media, was triggered by Musk’s sharp criticism of the bill’s estimated $2.4 trillion impact on the national deficit—an attack that momentarily derailed GOP messaging on what the White House has branded a defining achievement of Trump’s second term.
Trump, initially dismissive and defiant in posts on Truth Social, has since softened his tone, following private urging from senior aides who warned against alienating Musk amid a fragile Senate whip count. The feud allegedly really revolves around Trump’s choice to run NASA.
“Oh it’s okay,” Trump told Politico in a brief telephone call when asked about the very public breakup with his onetime megabacker. “It’s going very well, never done better.” Trump went on to tout his favorability ratings saying, “The numbers are through the roof, the highest polls I’ve ever had and I have to go.”
The shift comes after outside voices began calling for unity. Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman publicly urged Trump and Musk to reconcile “for the benefit of our great country,” prompting a receptive reply from Musk and reigniting speculation that the feud may have been more tactical than personal. T
I support @realDonaldTrump and @elonmusk and they should make peace for the benefit of our great country.
We are much stronger together than apart.
— Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) June 5, 2025
Behind the scenes, however, West Wing officials remain focused on passage of the bill, which blends immigration enforcement reforms with a new round of tax cuts.
Whether Friday’s call results in substantive alignment remains to be seen. But both camps recognize the stakes. With Trump pressing for a landmark policy victory and Musk still influencing key corners of the GOP donor base and tech sector, détente may prove not just strategic—but essential.
