UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, Elon Musk made his first appearance at the White House since his fallout with Donald Trump this summer. The reunion occurred during a lavish black-tie dinner on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, hosted for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the East Room.
This high-profile gathering marks the Crown Prince’s first visit to the U.S. since the controversial murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, an act reportedly ordered by bin Salman himself, according to U.S. intelligence. Trump, who is 79, appeared unbothered by the Crown Prince’s past as he welcomed him to the dinner, which featured a roster of influential guests.
Musk, now 54, was spotted seated close to a wall, engaging with Trump as the former president patted him twice on the stomach upon entering the room. Their rekindled relationship comes after a tumultuous period marked by public disputes over policy, particularly regarding Musk’s criticism of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, which eliminated certain tax credits for electric vehicles.
The dinner was attended by other industry leaders such as Apple CEO Tim Cook, Dell CEO Michael Dell, and FIFA head Gianni Infantino, bringing together a powerful mix of technology and sports figures. Musk’s presence is particularly noteworthy given his previous financial commitment of approximately $300 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign.
This reunion follows a series of public disagreements, including Musk’s accusation that Trump was implicated in the Jeffrey Epstein files, a claim he later regretted. The two have had a complex relationship, oscillating between support and criticism.
Earlier this month, Trump softened his stance on Musk, stating, “He’s got 80 percent super-genius, and then 20 percent he’s got some problems.” This shift indicates a potential thawing of tensions as both figures navigate the political landscape.
Musk, who had previously hinted at the possibility of founding a third party, now seems to be aligning once again with Trump, a move that could have significant implications for the upcoming elections.
As the political climate continues to evolve, this reunion raises questions about the future of their collaboration and the impact it may have on both their legacies. Observers now watch closely for further developments in this ongoing saga.
For those eager to follow this story, stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds.