How Elon Musk got back in Trump's orbit after nuclear fallout, insiders reveal: 'Water under the bridge'

Elon Musk is reportedly back in good standing with the Trump administration, according to several people familiar with the relationship who spoke to Fox News Digital. The reconciliation is notable because Musk is slated to be honored by President Donald Trump on Thursday, roughly a year after a bitter public feud between the two men. One former administration official summed up the rift as "water under the bridge."

Musk, who runs Tesla, SpaceX and X, became a major figure in Trump's coalition during the 2024 campaign, with his America PAC contributing close to $300 million to Trump and other Republicans. He then headed the Department of Government Efficiency's cost-cutting drive. Musk departed in May 2025, reportedly frustrated that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act added to spending.

In early June 2025, Musk attacked the legislation on X, Trump said Musk had tired him out, and Musk responded that Trump owed his victory to Musk's money and showed ingratitude. Musk also suggested, without evidence, that Trump appeared in the Epstein files. A former White House official said Musk was then shut out entirely and stopped coming to his office space.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Fox News’s reporting. Read the full story at Fox News →