Trump-Musk political relationship: A summary and timeline

The escalating war of words between President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk marked the most contentious chapter in a yearslong and at-times rocky relationship between two of the most influential figures in business and politics.

The escalating war of words this week between President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk marked the most contentious chapter in a yearslong and at times rocky relationship between two of the most influential figures in business and politics.

Musk, a former Democrat, has criticized Trump in the past, but over the past year forged a strong relationship with the president that positioned him to wield significant power in the early months of Trump’s second administration.

President Donald Trump greets Elon Musk as he arrives to attend a viewing of a SpaceX Starship rocket launch on Nov. 19, 2024, in Brownsville, Texas.Brandon Bell / Getty Images fileThose close ties, though, came after years of ups and downs stretching back to 2016, when Musk accepted a spot on several of Trump’s business advisory councils.

Here are some of the highlights of Trump and Musk’s volatile relationship from the past few years.

Musk, who would ultimately emerge as one of the most loyal contributors to Trump’s 2024 campaign, was initially a vocal opponent.