Elon Musk and Donald Trump have navigated a complex and often tumultuous relationship over the years, oscillating between camaraderie and conflict. Their dynamic has shifted significantly, particularly during the political landscape leading up to the 2024 elections, where Musk emerged as a staunch supporter of Trump after initially expressing skepticism about his presidency.
The relationship began to take shape in November 2016, when Musk publicly stated that Trump was “not the right guy” for the presidency. At that time, Musk endorsed Hillary Clinton, citing her economic and environmental policies. However, following Trump’s victory, Musk accepted appointments to two of Trump’s economic advisory councils. His involvement was met with criticism, but Musk defended his actions by emphasizing his intention to promote better environmental policies.
By June 2017, Musk’s support for Trump dwindled when the president announced the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change. Musk resigned from his advisory roles, declaring, “Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world.” This marked the beginning of a rocky period in their relationship as Musk faced significant backlash for his previous associations with the Trump administration.
Despite the tensions, Musk and Trump found common ground during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Musk clashed with California health officials over Tesla’s factory shutdown, and Trump publicly supported Musk, urging California to let the factory reopen. This moment marked a resurgence in their alliance.
Fast forward to May 2022, when Musk, having acquired Twitter, expressed his willingness to reinstate Trump’s account, labeling the ban a “morally bad decision.” This statement was met with mixed reactions, as Trump had previously referred to Musk as a “bullshit artist” over conflicting statements regarding their political allegiances.
Tensions escalated again in mid-2022 when Musk suggested that Trump should not run for president again, stating, “It’s time for Trump to hang up his hat.” Trump retaliated by launching a series of attacks against Musk, alleging that the billionaire only sought subsidies for his ventures.
Their relationship took another turn in July 2024 when Musk publicly endorsed Trump after the former president was shot during a political rally. Musk’s endorsement was significant, considering his prior criticisms of Trump. Soon after, Trump announced his selection of Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate, a decision Musk reportedly influenced.
By October 2024, Musk joined Trump on stage at a rally, emphasizing the importance of voter turnout in the upcoming election. He stated, “President Trump must win to preserve the Constitution.” Musk subsequently directed considerable resources toward pro-Trump political efforts, with reports indicating that he donated over $80 million to support Republican candidates and initiatives.
Following Trump’s victory in the November 2024 elections, he appointed Musk to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), solidifying Musk’s influence within the administration. Trump described Musk as a key figure in his administration, tasked with restructuring federal agencies and cutting wasteful expenditures.
The relationship has not been without its challenges. In early 2025, Musk faced scrutiny over his role in DOGE, with White House filings clarifying that he held no formal authority. By May 2025, Musk announced his intention to step back from political involvement, expressing disappointment with Trump’s spending bill, which he described as “a disgusting abomination.”
Despite their disagreements, Musk and Trump managed to reconcile by September 2025, as they were seen together at the memorial service for conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Following the event, Trump remarked on their relationship, calling it a “good” one and referring to their previous disagreements as a “stupid moment.”
As they move toward the future, the relationship between Musk and Trump continues to evolve, characterized by both collaboration and confrontation. Their journey reflects the complexities of political alliances and the unpredictable nature of their interactions in the public sphere.
