Elon Musk attended a White House dinner with U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday. This marks their second joint public appearance since a public feud earlier this year.
Musk’s presence could indicate a possible reconciliation with the U.S. president. Earlier, Musk supported and funded Trump’s election and became a close adviser, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and overseeing cuts to federal funding and jobs.
The relationship soured quickly. Musk criticized Trump’s tax and spending bill as fiscally reckless and announced plans to form a new political party. In response, Trump threatened to cut billions of dollars in federal subsidies to Musk’s companies.
The feud, combined with Musk’s far-right political rhetoric, affected Tesla’s brand, sales, and stock, according to analysts. Since then, Musk and Trump have rarely appeared together publicly. The last notable meeting was a handshake at a memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September.
Trump hosted the dinner to strengthen ties with the Saudi Crown Prince, who is seeking to rebuild his global image and deepen connections with Washington. The dinner also included Portugal’s soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.
Observers see Musk’s attendance as a possible step toward repairing ties with Trump. The billionaire has remained influential in U.S. political circles despite the previous fallout.
The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts by both leaders to maintain relationships that could affect business, politics, and international diplomacy. Musk’s reappearance in Trump’s circle may also have implications for Tesla and other ventures tied to federal support.
This rare public reunion highlights the complex intersection of politics, business, and international relations in Washington. It shows how personal and professional rivalries can evolve and how influential figures like Musk navigate public and political challenges.