President Donald Trump and Elon Musk seem to have begun their new year on a positive note, appearing to have mended their strained relationship. On Sunday (local time), Tesla CEO took to X and wrote, “Had a lovely dinner last night with @POTUS and @FLOTUS,” adding, “2026 is going to be amazing!”The photograph, taken at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, fuelled speculation that the pair’s much-discussed bromance may be back on after months of public friction.
When the relationship turned sour
Following the 2024 election campaign, Musk emerged as one of the Republican Party’s largest donors, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars. Trump later appointed him to advise a government efficiency drive and to help set up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aimed at cutting federal spending and streamlining operations.
Musk, however, stepped back from the role in mid-2025 amid growing criticism. Relations soured further when he openly attacked Trump-backed spending proposals, warning about ballooning federal outlays. “I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore,” Musk wrote in a June 3 post criticising Trump’s so-called “big beautiful bill,” calling it a “massive, outrageous, pork-filled” measure and a “disgusting abomination.”Trump responded by saying he was “very disappointed” by Musk’s remarks, adding, “Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore.”Musk fired back on X, claiming that without his support Trump would have lost the election, and at one point even floated the idea of launching a new political party.By late 2025, however, both appeared to soften their stance. In September, Trump and Musk were seen shaking hands at conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Musk also attended a White House dinner in November, hosted by Trump for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, signalling a tentative thaw in ties.