It wasn’t just a tweet. Before apologizing to Donald Trump, Elon Musk made a private phone call that set the tone for what followed.
According to the New York Times, the call happened behind closed doors. Musk reached out directly to Trump, days after a series of heated posts sparked a wave of backlash and market tension.
Behind the scenes of a quiet call
Sources close to both sides revealed that Senator J.D. Vance and Trump advisor Susie Wiles encouraged Musk to initiate contact. The goal was clear: stop the public feud before it got worse.
Shortly after the call, Musk posted on X:
“I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.”
Trump’s response? Positive and calculated. His team confirmed there were no plans to touch current government contracts with Musk’s companies.
Why this story matters now
The tension between the two figures escalated earlier this month when Musk criticized Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” and alluded to the Epstein case. In return, Trump threatened to cut off billions in federal deals with SpaceX and Tesla.
Tesla shares tumbled by over 14 percent. Investors were nervous. Then came the apology and the stock started to recover.
The timing of the phone call and public statement wasn’t random. It was strategic.
Power, business and timing
Musk has a lot at stake. His companies rely on government support, space contracts, and regulatory approvals. Trump, on the other hand, knows how to win leverage through public perception.
What we’re seeing here is not just about two powerful names. It’s a glimpse into how influence, risk and diplomacy play out in today’s high-stakes environment.