Despite an ongoing public feud, President Donald Trump had kind words for tech billionaire Elon Musk during a Fox News interview on Sunday, calling the former White House advisor a “great guy” and a “smart guy” who is “going to do well always.”
The praise comes just weeks after Musk’s departure from his advisory role in the Trump administration in May 2025, following disagreements over the President’s sweeping new tax reform proposal, dubbed the “big, beautiful bill.” Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, publicly voiced frustration over the bill’s corporate provisions, which he argued disproportionately benefit entrenched interests over innovative companies.
“I think he’s a wonderful guy,” Trump said during the interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo. “I haven’t spoken to him much, but I know he’s going to do well always. He actually went and campaigned with me and this and that. But he got a little bit upset, and that wasn’t appropriate.”
Musk had served as a key advisor on technology and innovation within the administration, and was frequently seen alongside Trump during policy discussions in the White House until his abrupt exit in late May. Tensions reportedly escalated after Musk criticized aspects of Trump’s tax plan, which includes deep cuts for high-income earners and corporations.
While Trump’s remarks may appear conciliatory, the tension between the two influential figures continues to simmer beneath the surface. Musk has yet to respond publicly to Trump’s latest comments.
The rift highlights a growing divide between traditional conservative economic policies and the priorities of Silicon Valley leaders who once found common ground with the Trump administration.
Whether this public olive branch from Trump signals a true reconciliation or a strategic move remains to be seen. For now, the former allies appear locked in a political chess match—one in which both continue to command headlines.
