Elon Musk Thanks Trump After President Jokes He Should Feel “Lucky”

Elon Musk is publicly expressing gratitude toward President Donald Trump months after their very visible political split — and after Trump nudged him to do it.

Speaking at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum on Wednesday, Nov. 19, Trump highlighted provisions in his sweeping domestic spending package, the “Big Beautiful Bill,” including proposed deductions tied to buying American-made cars. While describing the deduction, he gestured toward Musk, who was seated in the audience.

“If they buy a nice Tesla car and borrow the money —” Trump began, before pausing to add a personal aside: “You are so lucky I am with you, Elon.”

He then turned the moment into a tease. “Has he ever thanked me properly?” the president asked.

Not long after the speech, Musk responded on X with a formal-sounding note of appreciation. “I would like to thank President Trump for all he has done for America and the world,” he wrote in a Nov. 19 post, alongside photos from the forum featuring Trump, Musk, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and other prominent attendees.

The exchange came just a day after Musk attended Trump’s black-tie White House dinner for bin Salman on Tuesday, Nov. 18. At that event, Trump praised the guest list, telling the room it was filled with some of the most influential leaders in the world, according to The Hill.

Musk’s renewed presence alongside Trump follows a turbulent year in their relationship. The Tesla and SpaceX chief led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from January until May 30, when Trump announced Musk’s departure after his special government employee contract ended.

Within days of leaving government, Musk sharply attacked the “Big Beautiful Bill” on X.

“I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore,” he wrote at the time. “This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.”

Although Musk later softened some of his criticism, a source said in June that the damage between Musk and Trump’s team was lasting.

Tensions flared again in July when Musk announced plans to launch a new political organization, the American Party, citing frustration with Congress passing Trump’s bill. Trump responded by calling Musk a “train wreck” and accusing him of going “off the rails.”

By early September, Musk struck a lighter tone about his time in government, describing it at the All-In Summit as “a hell of a side quest,” according to The Seattle-Times.

Even so, the two have repeatedly crossed paths since their fallout. In late September, they were spotted at the memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University. Trump delivered a lengthy eulogy at the service, and witnesses saw him briefly speak with Musk. Trump later told reporters that Musk had come over to say hello.

Now, despite the rocky history, their recent interactions suggest a thaw — at least publicly. The New York Times reported on Nov. 18 that several former DOGE staffers are planning an Austin-area gathering this weekend to mark Musk’s time in government, and Musk is expected to attend.