7 Stunning Signs Trump and Musk Are Repairing Their Feud at the US-Saudi Forum, signalling a major thaw. The US-Saudi Investment Forum turned into an unexpected stage for political theatre, strategic diplomacy, and a striking display of rapprochement between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Months after a bitter fallout that played out publicly and shook political and tech circles, the two appeared together at a White House dinner honouring Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) — and later at the investment forum itself.
Trump leaned into his trademark humour, teasing the Tesla CEO with a six-word line that instantly went viral:
“You are so lucky I’m with you, Elon.”
For a relationship once defined by duelling social-media attacks, threats over federal subsidies, and political rivalry, this was a notable shift — and perhaps the clearest signal yet that both sides want to move forward.
7 Stunning Signs Trump and Musk Are Repairing Their Feud at the US-Saudi Forum
A Thaw in the Trump–Musk Feud
The feud erupted earlier this year when Musk harshly criticised Trump’s sweeping tax-and-spending legislation, calling it fiscally “reckless” and threatening to launch a new political party. Trump retaliated by hinting that federal support for Musk’s companies — including Tesla, SpaceX, and various government contracts — could be withdrawn.
The fallout was severe:
- Tesla’s stock price wobbled
- Musk’s far-right political rhetoric drew criticism
- Trump’s allies began painting Musk as disloyal
- The two did not appear together publicly for months
Their only brief interaction since the falling out was a handshake at the memorial for activist Charlie Kirk, which many read as an uncomfortable truce rather than genuine reconciliation.
This week, however, everything changed.
US-Saudi Dinner: A Diplomatic Stage for a Political Reunion
On Tuesday night, the White House East Room hosted a lavish banquet for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking his first visit to the US since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Trump entered the room alongside Melania and MBS — and immediately spotted Musk. A viral video captured Trump gently tapping Musk on the shoulder. Musk nodded back. Social media exploded.
“The boys are back in town,” users wrote. “That wasn’t a tap — that was Trump reminding the room of the gravitational pull.”
The star-studded guest list amplified the significance of Musk’s presence:
High-Profile Attendees
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Jensen Huang (Nvidia)
- Tim Cook
- Michael Dell
- Chuck Robbins (Cisco)
- Gianni Infantino (FIFA)
- CEOs from Chevron, Pfizer, IBM, Google, Qualcomm, Salesforce
- Trump Jr., Tiffany Trump, JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Stephen Miller, Mike Johnson
This dinner was not merely ceremonial. It served as a signal that Trump and Musk’s relationship is now in recovery mode, and that MBS seeks stronger ties with Washington’s political and technological elite.
Trump’s Quips: “So Lucky I’m With You, Elon”
At the US-Saudi Investment Forum the next day, Trump addressed Musk directly multiple times, referencing Musk’s tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — a position Musk briefly held early in the administration.
Trump asked, half-joking, half-serious:
“Has he ever thanked me for that properly?”
Minutes later, Trump circled back:
“You are so lucky I’m with you, Elon.”
The crowd laughed. Musk smiled.
Trump then shifted into policy territory, explaining the electric vehicle tax credit his administration created:
- “Middle-class people don’t know what ‘deduction’ means.”
- “This room lives on deductions — me too.”
- “We’re offering middle-class buyers interest deductions if they buy a Tesla.”
He again looked towards Musk, adding:
“You’re lucky. I’m with you. Although I let him buy other-than-electric cars — small detail.”
Not long after, Musk tweeted:
“I would like to thank President Trump for all he has done for America and the world.”
A stark contrast to the heated messages exchanged months ago.
Lip-Reading Controversy: Musk Denies Calling MBS a Terrorist
Amid the spectacle, a DailyMail report stirred fresh drama.
A professional lip-reader claimed Musk whispered to Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla:
“What is your opinion — is he a terrorist?”
The implication was that Musk was referring to MBS.
Musk immediately denied it on X:
“False, I was asking about upcoming cancer drugs.”
This prompt denial — unusually fast for Musk — underscored how sensitive the diplomatic moment was, especially during MBS’s first US visit since the Khashoggi fallout.
Why Musk’s Presence Matters: High Stakes for Tech, AI, and Saudi Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia is in the middle of a massive global repositioning:
Key Saudi Goals
- Become a global hub for AI
- Expand nuclear energy cooperation
- Diversify away from oil
- Compete with the UAE’s recent multibillion-dollar AI deal with the US
- Purchase F-35 jets, which Trump signalled he would approve
- Cement new technology partnerships with US giants
Why Musk is essential
- Tesla dominates EV innovation
- SpaceX is key to satellite and military communications
- xAI and Neuralink are critical players in the global AI race
- Musk’s manufacturing and energy storage tech aligns with Saudi Vision 2030
Musk’s re-engagement with the White House appears strategically beneficial for both Washington and Riyadh.
Political Stakes: Why Trump Wants Musk Back
For Trump, the reconciliation offers:
- A high-profile alliance with America’s most famous tech CEO
- A boost to his administration’s credibility on innovation
- A chance to stabilize the markets that reacted negatively during the feud
- Closer alignment with business leaders attending the US-Saudi Forum
- A way to counterbalance Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, and other CEOs with differing political leanings
Trump’s comment during the dinner captured his sentiment:
“This room is loaded up with the biggest leaders in the world.”
Having Musk in that room strengthened Trump’s position.
MBS’s Diplomatic Goals: Repairing Image & Securing Deals
For Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the White House dinner was a crucial step in repairing his global image and rebuilding ties with Washington’s political elite.
His goals include:
- Advancing the F-35 fighter jet deal
- Securing nuclear cooperation with the US
- Expanding AI development partnerships
- Attracting American investment for Vision 2030
- Re-entering Western political and economic circles after years of scrutiny
Musk’s presence — along with Ronaldo’s and Jensen Huang’s — added glamour and legitimacy to MBS’s visit.
US-Saudi Investment Forum: What’s on the Agenda?
The forum, held at the Kennedy Center, gathered top global CEOs to discuss:
- AI cooperation
- Energy transition
- Defense and military technology
- EV partnerships
- Infrastructure investment
- Expanding Saudi stakes in US tech
Executives from IBM, Salesforce, Andreessen Horowitz, Adobe, Aramco, Pfizer, Parsons Corp, Chevron, Google, Halliburton and more attended.
This forum reinforces the deep economic ties forming between the US and Saudi Arabia — ties Musk and Trump may help shape.
Public Reaction: “The Boys Are Back in Town”
The Trump–Musk reunion triggered massive internet reactions.
Popular comments included:
- “Old frat bros energy.”
- “The power alignment in DC is shifting.”
- “This nod means everything.”
- “I hope they repair that relationship — they changed America.”
- “The boys are back in town.”
Their embrace sparked speculation about:
- Musk rejoining the administration in some role
- Trump relying on Musk for tech and AI planning
- A political alliance in the run-up to the next election cycle
While nothing official has been announced, the optics suggest a renewed partnership.
What This Thaw Means Going Forward
1. US-Saudi Relations Will Strengthen
MBS’s visit and Trump’s hospitality point to expanding cooperation on defense, energy, and tech.
2. AI and Nuclear Energy Deals Are Accelerating
Saudi Arabia wants AI dominance and US nuclear tech — and both are on the negotiating table.
3. Musk Is Returning to Washington’s Inner Circle
After months of tension, he now appears central to Trump’s tech strategy again.
4. Investors Are Watching Closely
Tesla’s market image, federal contracts, and energy policy implications are significant.
5. Trump Is Rebuilding His Coalition of Tech Allies
Even as some Silicon Valley leaders keep their distance, Musk’s return is a major win.
Conclusion: A Relationship Too Big to Fail
The Trump–Musk feud dominated headlines for months — but the US-Saudi Investment Forum may have officially marked its end. Their friendly interactions, public humour, and social-media acknowledgements suggest a deliberate effort to rebuild trust.
With MBS seeking global reintegration, Trump pushing for economic diplomacy, and Musk positioning himself at the centre of global AI and energy transformation, the reunion could reshape the next phase of US politics, technology, and international relations.
For now, one thing is clear:
The Trump–Musk alliance is back — and the world is watching.
Also Read: Trump vs Musk: The Billionaire Feud That’s Shaking Politics and Business
Also Read: Trump-Elon Musk bromance back on: Inside how the president, mogul ended their nasty feud
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