Elon’s-Apology-to-Trump-Over-Epstein-Claim-Shakes-XElon Musk expresses regret over Trump posts after Epstein allegation triggers online firestorm

 

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has made a rare public apology following a high-profile social media clash with US President Donald Trump. In a short post posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday, Musk said, “I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.”

The remark comes on the heels of political theatrics and public name-calling between the two powerful leaders, fueled by policy differences and aggravated by explosive charges.

 

Tax Bill Sparks Fallout

 

The controversy started when Musk severely criticized Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ (OBBB), a comprehensive tax cut bill anticipated to increase the US national debt by about $3 trillion. Musk, formerly holding a government advisory position at the Department of Government Efficiency (DoGE), termed the bill a ‘disgusting abomination’ and quit his government job in protest.

Trump responded by threatening ‘serious consequences’ if Musk supports candidates running against Trump-aligned Republicans during the coming midterms. “If he does, he’ll have to pay the consequences,” Trump said to NBC, without going any further into detail.

 

Accusations Over Epstein Files

 

The tensions were exacerbated further when Musk implied that Trump’s name was mentioned in sealed Epstein records, a charge that went viral within hours but was subsequently removed. Musk never provided evidence for the accusation, and it was condemned by both Trump allies and political analysts.

While the Tesla CEO later backpedaled on his statement, most on the internet questioned his motive and called for him to explain himself. “There’s a difference between ‘going too far’ and being truthful,” responded one user to condense the outrage that ensued following Musk’s apology.

 

Online Reaction Divided

 

Musk’s apology set off a storm of mixed reactions on social media. Some thanked him for exercising restraint, with one Trump supporter saying, “Not many people apologize to President Trump. Thank you, Elon.” Others doubted whether the apology was just part of a larger PR campaign.

“Were you hacked?” asked one. Another chimed in, “You said the Epstein files have not been released because Trump is on them. True or not?”

 

Shifting Dynamics

 

The relationship between Musk and Trump, previously friendly, has declined dramatically over the past few months. Musk had previously gone to Trump rallies and was temporarily with the administration on fiscal reforms. That alliance, however, seems to have broken down over budget policy and internal grievances from Republican ministers.

As the dust clears, questions persist about whether Musk’s apology represents a sincere shift in tone or a strategic flip. Either way, the back-and-forth has brought both men back into the limelight, reminding onlookers that when two of the world’s most divisive figures collide, the echoes are rarely subdued.