2016 – Recognized
Despite initial doubts and skepticism, Musk joined Trump’s economic advisory council shortly after the 2016 election, alongside other tech leaders like Uber’s Travis Kalanick.
2017 – A Principled Exit
A man wearing a mask depicting U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump protests during a demonstration against climate change outside of the U.S. Embassy in London, Britain on November 18, 2016. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
Following Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, Musk resigned from both of his advisory roles, citing the importance of climate action.
“Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world.” said Musk on X on June 1, 2017.
January 2022 – Praise from the Podium
Trump praised Musk as one of the world’s “great geniuses,” comparing him to Thomas Edison and fangirling over SpaceX rockets. Trump went on to say that Musk was not only good at electric cars, but “he does good at rockets, too, by the way.”
Elon Musk gives a tour to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and lawmakers of the control room before the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket, in Brownsville, Texas, U.S., November 19, 2024 . Brandon Bell/Pool via REUTERS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
May 2022 – Break with Democrats
Originally, Musk shared that he had voted for Democrats in the past, including Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020, underscoring his political independence.
Musk declared he would no longer support Democrats, calling them divisive—though he still criticized Trump’s 2024 run.
November 2022 – Trump Returns to X
Despite earlier feud in July 2022, after Trump dismissing Musk as a “another bull**** artist”, Musk reinstated Trump’s Twitter account after a public poll, days after Trump announced his 2024 campaign.
September 2023 – Border Wall Support
As reflected earlier in mid 2022, After acquiring X, Musk began using the platform to voice strong opinions on immigration, free speech, and identity politics, aligning more with conservative rhetoric. Musk echoed Trump’s immigration stance, backing a U.S.–Mexico border wall and stricter asylum policies.
July 2024 – Endorsement After Rally Attack
Following an assassination attempt on Trump, Musk publicly endorsed him and pledged support.
FILE PHOTO: Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk speaks as Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. president Donald Trump looks on during a rally at the site of the July assassination attempt against Trump, in Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S., October 5, 2024. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo
October 2024 – “Dark MAGA” Moment
Musk appeared at a Trump rally in a MAGA hat, calling himself “dark MAGA” and promising $1 million a day to voters backing his PAC’s petitions.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s adviser Elon Musk gives a check to an audience member during a rally in support of a conservative state Supreme Court candidate of an April 1 election in Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S. March 30, 2025. REUTERS/Vincent Alban
November 2024 – DOGE and a Starship Launch
Trump tapped Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency,” before appearing together at a SpaceX launch in Texas.
FILE PHOTO: Tesla CEO Elon Musk greets U.S. President Donald Trump as they attend the NCAA men’s wrestling championships in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., March 22, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Tesla CEO Elon Musk reacts while wearing a cap with the words “Gulf of America” as he attends a cabinet meeting held by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 30, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo
Election Night, Nov. 5, 2024 – At Mar-a-Lago
Musk spent election night at Mar-a-Lago with Trump, advising on staff picks and joining calls with world leaders. He was also present during conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump greets Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk during a rally the day before Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated for a second term, in Washington, U.S., January 19, 2025. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
December 2024 – Trouble Brewing
The duo attempted to block a government funding bill, but tensions reportedly rose after Musk clashed with MAGA allies over immigration visas.
SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump carry a picture depicting Tesla CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump during a May Day rally in New York City, U.S., May 1, 2025. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
January 2025 – Controversial Inauguration Moment
Musk attended Trump’s second inauguration but sparked backlash after performing a salute at a separate event that many associated with far-right symbolism.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk gestures during a rally on the inauguration day of U.S. President Donald Trump’s second Presidential term, inside Capital One, in Washington, U.S. January 20, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Segar
February 2025 – All Love to His ‘Bro’
Musk quickly became a fixture in Trump’s administration, traveling on Air Force One and participating in high-level meetings.
March 2025 – Tesla on the Lawn
In a bold show of support, Trump turned the White House South Lawn into a Tesla showroom, vowing to buy one of Musk’s cars amid global backlash against the CEO’s global political activities.
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump talks to the media next to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, with a Tesla car in the background, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 11, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
April 2025 – Farewell Begins
Musk announced his departure from government service at an April 30 Cabinet meeting, calling it “an honor” to work with Trump’s team.
U.S. President Donald Trump points towards Tesla CEO Elon Musk, at the White House, in Washington D.C. U.S., March 14, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
May 30, 2025 – Official Departure, Ongoing Loyalty
Musk concluded his government role after reaching the maximum serving hours as a special government employee; but stood beside Trump in the Oval Office as the president praised him as a global innovator. Trump gave Musk a ceremonial “key to the White House,” and Musk vowed to remain an adviser, ally and friend.
Elon Musk receives the key to the White House from U.S. President Donald Trump during a press conference in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 30, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard
From the White House, Trump rebuked Musk, saying he had full knowledge of the bill’s contents.
After one of the most public breakdowns in their alliance to date, Donald Trump and Elon Musk were expected to speak on a call scheduled for Friday—an attempt, to dial back the political and personal escalation that reached a boiling point this week. The call follows a day marked by online clashes, threats to revoke government contracts, and a striking repost from Musk endorsing calls for Trump’s impeachment.
The fallout has already rattled markets—Tesla shares plunged over 14% on Thursday, erasing $150 billion in value before recovering slightly on news of the call. While Musk appeared to soften his tone later in the evening, even hinting at reconciliation, their fractured alliance could have lasting political and economic consequences.
