Trump accepts Elon Musk’s public apology? White House says president ‘acknowledges’ it, appreciates the gesture

In a surprising turn of events that could calm tensions in Washington and Wall Street, the White House confirmed that US President Donald Trump has acknowledged Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s public apology for his recent remarks.

Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “The President acknowledged the statement that Elon put out this morning and he is appreciative of it. We are continuing to focus on the business of the American people.”

Backchannel diplomacy and a phone call

This comes after Musk, in a post on X, wrote: “I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.” 

Reportedly, Musk personally reached out to Trump with a call on Monday night, followed by a private conversation last Friday involving Vice President JD Vance and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

While tensions flared publicly last week, the backchannel conversations have apparently helped cool things down.

According to an IANS report, prominent Republicans and Trump allies have been nudging Musk to reconcile, particularly in light of Trump’s ambitious domestic policy push – a legislative package dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill.” The bill, however, is facing significant hurdles in the Senate.

No contract reviews, but Musk still wary of policy

When asked whether Trump’s administration has started reviewing Musk’s existing government contracts — a possibility the former President had floated — the White House clarified there’s been “no effort on that front,” at least for now.

Insiders say Musk is open to rebuilding ties but remains uneasy about the bill’s lack of proposed spending cuts — a point he has reportedly raised in talks with GOP leaders.

Trump also appeared to strike a conciliatory tone during a podcast interview, where he said, “Things like that happen. I don’t blame him for anything.”

While it’s too early to say whether this marks the beginning of a full-blown rapprochement, both sides seem willing to keep the lines of communication open — for now. The détente between America’s most powerful political figure and its richest businessman may not be a full reset, but it’s certainly a step back from the brink.