Elon Musk Apologizes to President Trump: What It Really Means for Tesla, SpaceX & U.S. Tech Policy
On Monday, June 9, 2025, Elon Musk quietly called former President Donald Trump—then, on June 11, posted on X:
“I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.” thenewdaily.com.au
Trump responded it was “very nice,” and confirmed he harbors no hard feelings hindustantimes.com.
This feels like more than a headline—it signals a deliberate recalibration between business and politics, with real consequences for Musk’s empire.
Feud Fallout: How We Got Here
Musk slammed Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” as a “disgusting abomination,” criticized deficits, and even suggested impeachment, going as far as unsubstantiated allegations linking Trump to Epstein.
Trump fired back—ultimately threatening to strip Musk’s firms of EV credits and federal contracts, triggering a dramatic 14% one‑day drop in Tesla stock—wiping out about $150 billion in value.
Behind‑the‑Scenes Mediation
Heavy hitters like VP J.D. Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Trump adviser David Sacks intervened to prevent Musks’s businesses from going over a cliff
The Monday call—quiet, personal—appears orchestrated to save face and avert policy retaliation .
What Musk Stand to Lose (and Regain)
Tesla: The EV tax credit removal threat could cut profits by ~$1.2 billion annually; a further $152 billion in MC evaporated during the peak of the feud NY Post.
SpaceX/Starlink: Suitable federal airspace and Pentagon contracts hang in the balance—especially critical as the Dragon spacecraft replacement neared pause .
Investor Confidence: The apology triggered a 1–2% bump in Tesla stock, and delivered a $191 million net worth increase for Musk almost overnight Fortune.
Robotaxi Rollout: With Tesla launching robotaxis in Austin, TX on June 22, regulatory headwinds from D.C. could prove pivotal AP News.
What Trump Gains
Reasserts dominance over Big Tech: Anyone stepping off-script—Musk included—faces consequences.
Now positioned to demand loyalty from Musk in exchange for ongoing access to federal benefits.
Signals others in Silicon Valley: get in line or risk payback if Trump wins again.
Tech Realignment
Bezos remains on Trump’s bad side; Tim Cook stays publicly aloof. Musk—once Trump’s “favorite” tech billionaire—is now reshaping how tech magnates navigate Washington.
Musk’s move marks a trend: tech leaders recalibrating based on who holds the reins of power.
Investor Takeaways
Short-term: Stocks stabilized after the apology, but remain vulnerable until official policy or contract guarantees emerge.
Watch-list:
EV policy: Will Trump drop the threat or propose conditions in return?
Defense contracts: Clarity needed on SpaceX compliance with Pentagon needs.
Robotaxi approval: D.C. posture toward autonomous vehicles could make or break launch success.
Musk’s reconciliation feels strategic—not moral—but the market will reward results.
Bottom Line
This wasn’t just a social media retreat—it was a strategic pivot. Musk recognized the cost: alienating Trump meant risking billions in federal support and regulatory cooperation. Trump wins too, reinforcing his role as arbiter of Big Tech’s fate. If Trump reclaims the presidency, this apology may prove Musk’s ticket to staying in the game. Investors should treat it less like hot drama and more like fine-tuned diplomacy at the highest level—with Tesla and SpaceX hanging in the balance.
