Just when the world assumed the feud between US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk may have ended with the former acknowledging the Tesla CEO’s attendance at the White House dinner this week, a new development took place recently. At the U.S. Saudi Investment Forum, President Trump spoke about the financial and economic goals the Republican government has been able to meet this year. In this context, the President suddenly brought up Elon Musk’s name in relation to the taxation policies sanctioned by Trump.
The US President went on to say that the Tesla CEO should be fortunate that the former is “with” him. Immediately after, he added a query about whether Musk has ever thanked President Trump for his support. As the internet proceeded to delve into the possible interpretations of his words, Musk took a counter step. The chief executive quite swiftly took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted two photos of himself at the investment forum, which also featured President Trump in them. In the caption, he stated that he is thankful to the President for his impact on the US and the world.
The phrasing of Trump’s words as well as Musk’s post have fueled significant buzz surrounding the feud between the two personalities who have been at odds since June this year.
US President Donald Trump takes sharp jibe at Elon Musk
For context, Elon Musk and US President Trump have been in a feud ever since their heated exchange of words took place on social media since June 2025. This was ignited by the chief executive’s harsh criticism of President Trump’s infamous “Big Beautiful Bill.”
In response, the US President also criticized Musk’s endeavors. This led to a a very public rift between them and they seemingly did not appear in the same frame or place until September this year. Musk and Trump met and shook hands during Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, held on September 21.
They met for the second time this week when the US hosted Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. On one occasion, President Trump patted him in an amiable manner during the White House dinner. This was read by many as a positive development in Trump’s ties with Musk. However, the US President’s recent comment on Musk have left netizens in doubt.
🚨President Trump to Elon Musk:
— (Fan)Elon Musk (@MusketeeronX) November 19, 2025
"You are so lucky I'm with you, Elon."
pic.twitter.com/GHXZLiskmD
At the U.S. Saudi Investment Forum in Washington this week, US President Donald Trump took the stage to talk about the steps on taxation the Republican government has taken since they were elected to power this year. During the event, President Trump said, “You’re so lucky I’m with you, Elon.” After this, he added, “Has he ever thanked me?” The question received a hearty applause from the room.
What appeared as a friendly question did seem to many as a sharp jibe at Elon Musk. The Tesla CEO’s response after the incident has ignited speculations pertaining to the aggravated relations between the two personalities.
Elon Musk delivers sarcastic retort to President Trump’s jibe
On November 20, Elon Musk took to X, to share his response to President Trump’s “Has he ever thanked me?” jibe. The post features two photographs from the U.S. Saudi Investment Forum 2025, featuring prominent dignitaries from Saudi Arabia, along with NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang and US President Trump. In the caption, the Tesla CEO wrote, “I would like to thank President Trump for all he has done for America and the world.”
I would like to thank President Trump for all he has done for America and the world pic.twitter.com/KdK9VC2MLs
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 19, 2025
As netizens and media continue to read between the lines of Elon Musk’s thankful note to US President Donald Trump’s jibe, new questions have emerged regarding the possibilities of reconciliation. Many netizens opine that Trump’s comment was a light-hearted one, and Musk reciprocated it in a sporty manner.
Others, however, read it differently. Some users shared that President Trump’s critique of Musk not thanking him for his support may have compelled the Tesla CEO to reply with a sarcastic retort. The only way to get clarity of the situation could be to anticipate their interactions in the days to come.
Also Read: Tesla CEO Elon Musk Envisions a Future Where AI Eradicates Poverty and Boosts Global Wealth
