After a public rift earlier this year, President Trump has suggested Elon Musk may return to the Republican Party rather than form a third-party movement. Speaking to Scott Jennings, Trump stated, “I don’t think he has a choice. What’s he gonna do? He’s gonna go with the radical left lunatics? They’re lunatics.”
Trump described Musk as “80% super genius” but noted “20% he’s got some problems.” Despite their disagreements, the president emphasized, “I liked him, I always liked him, I like him now.” He praised Musk as a “man of common sense” and a “good person,” acknowledging his recent missteps.
The White House has invited tech executives including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to a Thursday dinner at the renovated Rose Garden. Elon Musk, however, was notably excluded from the guest list. The event will feature an outdoor setup resembling Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
A White House spokesman described the gathering as “the hottest place to be in Washington,” highlighting its significance for business and political leaders.
Musk, once appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), had a public falling-out with Trump earlier this year. The president’s remarks suggest potential reconciliation ahead of the midterms.