Trump says former ally Elon Musk is ‘80% super genius and 20% problems’, predicts his return to GOP

Trump says former ally Elon Musk is ‘80% super genius and 20% problems’, predicts his return to GOP
Donald Trump reflected on his strained relationship with Elon Musk during an interview on 'The Scott Jennings Show' (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has broken his silence on his fractured relationship with Elon Musk, offering a mix of criticism and praise in a new interview.

Calling the billionaire “80% super-genius” and “20% problems,” Trump suggested their falling out may not be permanent, hinting that Musk could eventually return to the Republican fold.



 

Donald Trump praises Elon Musk intellect but highlights flaws

In an interview with 'The Scott Jennings Show' on Wednesday, September 3, Trump reflected on his split with Musk, who had served as an adviser in his administration. “He’s got 80% super-genius, and then 20% he’s got some problems,” Trump said. “When he works out the 20% he’ll be great.”

BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 05: Tesla CEO Elon Musk (R) endorses Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show fairgrounds on October 05, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. This is the first time that Trump has returned to Butler since he was injured during an attempted assassination on July 13th. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Elon Musk joined Donald Trump on stage during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show fairgrounds in Pennsylvania in October 2024 (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

The president added, “Musk got off the reservation incorrectly, and... he wished he didn’t do it.” Despite acknowledging their conflict, Trump insisted he continues to hold Musk in high regard: “But I like him, I always liked him, I like him now. He’s a good person.”

Trump also emphasized Musk’s political direction, remarking, “I don’t think he has a choice. So what’s he going to do, he’s gonna go with the radical left lunatics? They’re lunatics. I don’t think he has a choice. He’s a man of common sense, he’s a good man.”

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump walks past Elon Musk as they attend the America First Policy Institute Gala held at Mar-a-Lago on November 14, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida. The annual event supports Grey Team, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing military suicide. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Donald Trump moved past Elon Musk at the America First Policy Institute Gala hosted at Mar-a-Lago in November 2024 (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Social media reacts to Trump’s ‘80% super-genius’ remark on Elon Musk

Trump’s comments about Musk sparked a wave of reactions online, with supporters and critics alike weighing in.

One user applauded JD Vance for welcoming Musk back into the GOP fold, posting, “I am glad JD Vance invited @ElonMusk back!”



 

Others latched onto Trump’s phrasing, with one writing, “‘80% super genius’ is the most Trump compliment ever LMAOOO.”



 

Skepticism also surfaced, as another commenter declared, “Problem is, Elon will never work out the 20%. I can't trust him again. I trust the BEST PRESIDENT EVER 1,000% of the time.”



 

Many highlighted Trump’s enduring respect for the Tesla CEO despite their feud. “Yes that’s always been clear DJT likes Elon as a person, friend and patriot,” one post read.



 

Nostalgia crept in too. “I miss those two!! They deserve to be with each other! I want to see lil X and Elon back at the White House! I remember the good old days when Elon would literally play video games at the White House, for testing of course! Those were the good times!”



 

Some even analyzed Trump’s choice of words: “I love that he uses the word reservation, it makes me think of families protecting each other and protecting the tribe all of us.”



 

Others predicted the internet frenzy: “When Trump praises Musk, you know the timeline is about to explode.”



 

Fallout over Elon Musk Epstein post

The rift between Trump and Musk escalated in June after Musk attacked Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” spending plan, calling it “a disgusting abomination.” Shortly after stepping down from his role in the administration, Musk posted on his X platform, “Trump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public.” The post was later deleted, but the damage caused a major rupture.

White House Senior Advisor, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk (L) speaks during a cabinet meeting held by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on March 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. This is Trump's third cabinet meeting of his second term, and it focused on spending cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Elon Musk spoke as a White House Senior Advisor during a cabinet meeting convened by Donald Trump at the White House in March 2025 ( Win McNamee/Getty Images)

At the time, Trump said his relationship with Musk was likely over, noting, “I would assume so, yeah.” He also warned Musk—who had donated more than $250 million to Trump’s presidential campaign—against financially supporting Democrats. “He’ll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that,” Trump cautioned.

Allies and rivals weigh in on Donald Trump–Elon Musk split

The Trump-Musk fallout has divided allies and commentators. MAGA-aligned radio host Scott Jennings called both men “two brilliant men and great Americans,” adding, “I, like millions of others, really would love to see them get the band back together soon.”

US President Trump Reacts To Musk’s Apology After Public Feud, Exchange Of Tweets (Getty Images)
Donald Trump responded after Elon Musk issued an apology following their heated feud and exchange of public statements (Getty Images)

Podcaster Joe Rogan also weighed in after Musk’s controversial remarks, reacting mid-interview to the billionaire’s attacks on Trump. Meanwhile, rivals such as former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Eric Adams seized on the moment to mock the fracture.

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