Elon Musk thanks Trump for all he has ‘done for America’ after dinner with Saudi Crown Prince

WASHINGTON, DC: Elon Musk is publicly thanking President Donald Trump after he walked back into the White House on November 18, six months after a dramatic and very public falling-out. Their feud was once defined by explosive accusations, political threats, and Musk’s claim that Trump’s name was in undisclosed Jeffrey Epstein files.

Musk was among nearly 140 guests at a White House state dinner for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where Trump highlighted Saudi investments and a new nuclear energy partnership.

Elon Musk returns to Washington after DOGE resignation clash

It was Musk’s first public appearance in Washington since stepping down in May from Trump’s controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the administration’s aggressive, government-slashing team tasked with eliminating federal departments.

After the highly publicized event, Musk took to X to praise Trump, saying, “I would like to thank President Trump for all he has done for America and the world."

Musk, dressed in a tuxedo and bow tie, blended in with fellow high-profile guests including Apple CEO Tim Cook, Dell CEO Michael Dell, golfer Bryson DeChambeau, and soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo. The calm reunion sharply contrasted with the rage-filled exit that had played out online and through escalating public statements.

Now, the relationship appears to be healing. Musk joined Trump at a US–Saudi investment forum in Washington, sitting alongside Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to discuss advancements in AI and emerging technologies. 

In another example of the thawing relations, a video circulating on the internet shows Trump briefly acknowledging Musk with a pat on the arm as he walked into the room with the Saudi Crown Prince and Melania Trump by his side.

As he entered, Trump appeared to notice Musk and gently tapped him on the arm. Musk acknowledged the gesture with a brief series of nods.

Trump teases Elon Musk over EV tax breaks as their alliance warms

Even during the forum, Trump playfully addressed Elon Musk, asking if he has “ever thanked me properly” for EV-related tax deductions. The comments came as Trump highlighted his new vehicle-loan interest deduction for American-made cars, including Teslas produced by Musk's company.

The temporary tax benefit allows taxpayers to deduct up to $10,000 in interest on personal vehicle loans.

Trump said at the forum, "You're so lucky I'm with you, Elon. I'll tell you, you are, have as, has he ever thanked me properly?

“Democrats wanted the largest tax hike in history. They wanted to raise your taxes by 42%, if you, 44%. I proudly gave you the largest tax cuts in American history. Don't forget the great big beautiful bill doesn’t kick in until January 1st. So this, all these numbers that you’re reading about, all these great numbers, that’s without the tax cuts. The tax cuts take effect on January 1st.”

It is notable that Trump referenced the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which Musk had been highly critical of earlier. Back in June this year, Musk wrote on X, in reference to Trump’s bill: “The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country!”

He wrote this before the Senate was scheduled to vote on opening debate on the nearly 1,000-page bill. “Utterly insane and destructive,” Musk added. “It gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future.” Passing the package, Musk said, would be “political suicide for the Republican Party.”

The two seem to have made up since then, and now Musk’s return to Trump’s orbit hints at a strategic reset and a truce that could restore one of the year’s most high-profile alliances.