From 'First Buddy' bromance to a feud to a thaw, here's how Elon Musk and Donald Trump's relationship has evolved
Elon Musk and Donald Trump Brian Snyder/Reuters Elon Musk and Donald Trump have had a tumultuous relationship over the years. The two traded barbs during Trump's first term but became political allies during the 2024 election. After a public fallout, Musk and Trump's feud appears to be thawing. Elon Musk and Donald Trump appear to be back on after an on-again, off-again relationship over the years. The world's richest person and the two-time president of the United States weren't always close, but became singular political allies, with Musk calling himself "first buddy" following Trump's 2024 victory and donating more than $200 million toward pro-Trump super PACs. At the beginning of Trump's second term, Musk was frequently seen on the president's side and served as the de facto head of the White House DOGE office . In June 2025, Trump and Musk's relationship blew up after Musk criticized Trump's signature "Big Beautif...