United States President Donald J. Trump has offered unexpected praise for tech billionaire Elon Musk, calling him a “good person” despite their previous public disagreements.
The comment came during a White House press briefing held on August 6, 2025, in response to a question about a recent Gallup poll that named Musk the most unpopular public figure in the U.S. this year.
A video of the exchange, posted by The Post Millennial on X (formerly Twitter) and monitored by our correspondent, captured the moment Trump addressed the topic. “Elon had a bad moment. But he’s a good person,” the president said, signaling a notable shift in tone from their earlier clashes over economic policies and social media regulations.
The relationship between Trump and Musk has been marked by tension in recent years, especially following Musk’s outspoken views on free speech, EV subsidies, and regulatory oversight during Trump’s first term. At one point, Musk publicly distanced himself from Trump-aligned figures, while Trump criticized Musk’s positions on electric vehicle mandates and AI regulation.
However, Trump’s latest remarks suggest a warming of ties or at least an acknowledgment of Musk’s continued influence in American innovation and business.
While the Gallup poll suggests public sentiment toward Musk has declined in recent months—driven in part by controversies around Tesla’s autonomous driving software, SpaceX satellite deployments, and posts on X—Trump’s defense may signal political recognition of Musk’s broader significance in the tech and economic landscape.
As the 2026 midterms approach, observers say Trump may be seeking to build bridges with powerful industry leaders, even those with whom he’s previously clashed.
Neither Elon Musk nor his representatives have publicly responded to the president’s comments as of press time.
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