Feud on pause? Aides of Elon Musk and Donald Trump hold talks; but 'relationship remains uncertain': Report
Elon Musk and Donald Trump (File photo)
The fragile peace, following the social media conflict between US President
Donald Trump
and billionaire entrepreneur
Elon Musk
held steady, as their aides engaged in talks on Friday, according to two White House officials cited by Politico.
However, one of the officials addressed Trump's Truth Social hiatus with Musk saying, "He's stopped posting, but that doesn't mean he's happy,"
"The future of their relationship is totally uncertain," added the official, speaking under anonymity. Both individuals have temporarily ceased their public disagreements, which included Musk's impeachment suggestions and Trump's threats regarding federal contracts for Musk's enterprises.
Neither party was keen on this cessation, according to the officials familiar with both men's sentiments.
Trump was particularly irritated by Musk's suggestion of presidential connections to
Jeffrey Epstein
, stating Trump was "in the Epstein files." While Trump's name appears in publicly available Epstein-related court documents alongside other prominent figures, no wrongdoing has been linked to Trump. However, Musk's claim about Trump's electoral victory depending on his support, including substantial political contributions, particularly angered the president, the officials claimed.
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This dispute between the two emerged as the president and Republican leadership attempted to advance significant domestic policy legislation, potentially Trump's most substantial second-term achievement. Musk criticised the megabill for having a "MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK."
When contacted, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told POLITICO, "As President Trump has said himself, he is moving forward focused on passing the One Big Beautiful Bill."
The reported talks between the aides come just days after reports claimed that Musk might have talks with White House officials, although a direct dialogue between them seems improbable at present.
Read more:
Direct talks unlikely; White House aides may engage- report
Tensions began rising before last week's social media exchanges. Trump expressed disappointment in Musk's overselling of DOGE's capacity to reduce federal bureaucracy. The White House's withdrawal of Jared Isaacman's Nasa leadership nomination, Musk's preferred candidate, reportedly further strained relations.
A senior White House official informed Fox News' chief White House correspondent Peter Doocy that presently there are no plans for Trump and Musk to speak directly. Fox News learnt from a source close to the matter that "Musk wants a call. POTUS hasn't made a decision," suggesting that Trump is unlikely to engage with Musk, particularly on Friday.
White House personnel director Sergio Gor, responsible for this decision, has maintained ongoing friction with the billionaire, according to both White House officials.
Musk declined cooperation with Gor following a March Cabinet meeting where the president asserted departmental heads' authority over Musk, who attended the meeting. This meeting occurred after the Tesla founder initiated widespread dismissals and warnings to government employees, resulting in legal challenges and bipartisan criticism.
While most lawmakers and Republican strategists believe Trump maintains advantage in any potential future conflict, Musk represents an unprecedented opponent: the world's wealthiest individual with social media influence comparable to presidential authority.
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