• Elon Musk apologized for harsh tweets directed at Donald Trump, admitting he “went too far” in his criticism.
• The feud began over Trump’s budget proposal, which Musk claimed would hurt the electric vehicle industry.
• Public reaction was divided, with supporters and critics weighing in, prompting Musk to tone down his rhetoric.

Elon Musk Says He ‘Went Too Far’ in Trump Feud, Offers Apology

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has publicly walked back a series of pointed attacks he made last week against former U.S. President Donald Trump, admitting that he crossed a line. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk addressed the escalating drama, writing, “I regret some of my posts about President Donald Trump last week. They went too far.”

What began as sharp criticism of Trump’s latest budget proposal quickly turned into a personal feud between two of the most powerful and outspoken figures in America. Musk’s apology marks a surprising shift in tone after days of headline-grabbing exchanges that lit up social media and divided public opinion.

Musk Slammed Trump’s Budget—and Sparked a Firestorm

The dispute began when Musk blasted the federal budget plan promoted by Trump, specifically highlighting how it would, in his view, damage innovation and threaten the future of the electric vehicle (EV) industry. He posted a flurry of comments suggesting that Trump’s plan prioritized fossil fuels and traditional industries over renewable technologies and sustainable transportation.

In one post, Musk dug up past tweets from Trump in which the former president had railed against the national debt. Musk mocked the contrast between those statements and the ballooning spending proposals now associated with Trump’s platform. His tone was sardonic, even hostile, as he accused Trump of hypocrisy.

The back-and-forth didn’t stop there.

Accusations, Deleted Tweets, and Personal Blows

As the conversation turned more personal, Musk took a deeper jab—mentioning Trump’s alleged connection to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, something the former president has consistently denied. Though that tweet was quickly deleted, screenshots spread like wildfire across the internet, and the damage was done.

Trump wasted no time in firing back. In a rally-style statement to supporters, he accused Musk of biting the hand that fed him, pointing out that federal grants and subsidies helped Tesla survive its early years. “He wouldn’t be where he is without me,” Trump said. “Now he’s pretending like he built that empire all by himself. Musk has totally lost his mind.”

Trump’s words only added fuel to the fire. Musk, often known for his unpredictable online presence, initially doubled down, questioning Trump’s loyalty to American innovation and his stance on clean energy. But the tone of the feud began to shift once criticism started pouring in from all sides.

Public Reaction: Polarized and Heated

The public response was as fierce as the tweets themselves.

Many of Musk’s followers supported his stance against Trump’s policies, praising him for speaking out in defense of climate progress and technological growth. Hashtags like #StandWithMusk and #EVFuture began trending.

But the backlash was just as loud. Some accused Musk of using personal attacks and dragging serious issues—like the Epstein case—into political arguments irresponsibly. Critics from the right called him arrogant and out of touch, pointing to the billionaire’s frequent flip-flops on political figures.

“He crossed a line,” one conservative commentator posted. “It’s one thing to criticize policy. It’s another to play with conspiracies and smear tactics.”

Even some of Musk’s supporters appeared taken aback by the vehemence of his posts. Analysts warned that such online behavior could damage his reputation and relationships, especially as Tesla’s stock remains sensitive to political drama.

An Uncharacteristic Apology from Musk

Given Musk’s usual reluctance to back down, his apology came as a surprise to many.

In the past, Musk has famously brushed off criticism—even when it came from Wall Street or Washington. But this time, perhaps sensing the backlash or recognizing the potential cost to his businesses, he struck a more humble tone.

While he didn’t mention Trump by name again beyond the apology, the message was clear. He acknowledged that emotions got the better of him and admitted that his language “went too far.”

Still, he stopped short of offering a full retraction or addressing which tweets he regretted the most. Some critics saw the apology as half-hearted. Others believed it was a necessary move to de-escalate tensions and refocus on larger issues.

What Comes Next?

Whether this feud is truly over remains uncertain. Trump has not responded directly to Musk’s apology, and it’s unclear if he will. In the past, Trump has shown little interest in burying the hatchet—especially when insults are involved.

Political strategists speculate that Musk may be trying to distance himself from deeper political entanglements. While he has courted controversy in the past—especially with posts about COVID, free speech, and immigration—his recent actions seemed unusually volatile, even for him.

With the 2024 election season heating up and the EV industry under increasing scrutiny, Musk may be realizing that picking high-profile fights could cost him valuable support, both from the public and from lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

“He’s brilliant, no doubt,” said a senior analyst in Washington. “But there’s a thin line between bold and reckless. This week, Musk stumbled over that line.”

A Moment of Reflection—or Just a Pause?

Some believe Musk’s apology is sincere, a rare moment of reflection from a man known for pushing boundaries. Others say it’s just a pause—an attempt to calm waters before another storm.

Whatever the case, the clash between Musk and Trump reveals deeper fault lines in the intersection of business, politics, and ego. These are two larger-than-life personalities, both used to commanding the spotlight. Their conflict isn’t just about policy—it’s about identity, control, and influence in a divided America.

And as the next election draws near, we may not have seen the last of this drama. Not by a long shot.