Musk has been in the news for all the wrong reasons lately. And this is the nail in the coffin.
Because his face went white after receiving a devastating test result.
Trump’s Graceful Response to Musk’s Apology
The fiery public spat between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, appears to be cooling, with signs of reconciliation emerging after Musk’s apology for his earlier attacks.
Musk, who served as a special White House advisor leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), admitted on X Wednesday, “I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.”
Trump, demonstrating his characteristic magnanimity, brushed off the feud in a New York Post podcast interview, stating, “Things like that happen. I don’t blame him for anything.”
Later, when pressed by reporters, the president downplayed the issue, saying, “I really haven’t thought too much about it,” showcasing his focus on governing over personal disputes. This olive branch highlights Trump’s ability to rise above conflict and maintain alliances critical to his administration’s bold agenda.
The feud erupted after Musk criticized Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” calling it a “disgusting abomination” that risked unsustainable debt.
Musk’s inflammatory remarks, including an unsubstantiated claim about Trump’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, briefly strained their once-close partnership.
Yet, Trump’s measured response and Musk’s retraction signal a mutual desire to move forward, reinforcing the president’s knack for fostering unity among key supporters.
Musk’s GOP Support Softens but Remains Strong
A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday shows that Musk’s standing among Republicans has taken a hit, with 62% holding a favorable opinion, down from 78% in March.
Among all voters, only 30% view Musk favorably, with 57% unfavorable, a six-point drop from March.
Critics attribute this decline to Musk’s recent attacks on Trump, including his claim that Trump owed his 2024 election victory to Musk’s support, which included nearly $300 million donated through America PAC. However, the poll also reveals strong Republican approval of Musk’s DOGE tenure, with 80% rating his work as excellent or good, compared to just 13% who viewed it negatively.
“Though Musk isn’t as popular with Republicans as he once was, he and DOGE get a hearty high five from a healthy majority of Republicans,” said Quinnipiac analyst Tim Malloy.
Musk’s ambitious goal to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget fell short, but his efforts at DOGE earned praise from Trump and GOP loyalists for challenging bureaucratic excess.
The poll, conducted June 5-9 with 1,265 registered voters and a ±2.8% margin of error, underscores that despite the feud, Musk retains significant goodwill among Trump’s base, thanks to the president’s leadership in aligning visionaries like Musk with his administration’s goals.
A Partnership Poised for Renewal
Musk’s early support for Trump was pivotal, from his July endorsement after the Butler, Pennsylvania assassination attempt to his role as the 2024 election cycle’s top donor. Trump rewarded Musk’s loyalty by appointing him to lead DOGE, where the billionaire pushed for sweeping government reforms.
The recent clash, sparked by Musk’s criticism of the spending bill, briefly tested their alliance, with Trump calling Musk “crazy” and Musk escalating with baseless Epstein claims.
Yet, Musk’s apology and Trump’s gracious response suggest both men are ready to mend fences, a testament to Trump’s ability to maintain strategic partnerships despite disagreements.
As the dust settles, the Quinnipiac poll indicates that Musk’s influence within the GOP remains robust, bolstered by Trump’s leadership and the party’s appreciation for DOGE’s mission.
With Trump focused on advancing his transformative agenda, the reconciliation with Musk could pave the way for renewed collaboration, ensuring that their shared vision for a leaner, stronger government continues to drive progress.
