Musk says sorry: 5 ways Trump might react – from most to least likely

In a striking reversal, billionaire Elon Musk has walked backmost his caller attacks connected US President Donald Trump, tweeting connected Wednesday: “I regret immoderate of my posts astir President @realDonaldTrump past week.

They went excessively far.” The apology comes conscionable days aft Musk accused Trump of appearing successful the sealed Epstein files, described his landmark authorities arsenic “an abomination,” and adjacent floated JD Vance arsenic a amended statesmanlike candidate. He had besides expressed enactment for Trump’s impeachment—before swiftly deleting the posts.The occurrence marks a uncommon climbdown for Musk, whose nationalist persona has thrived connected provocation.

But whether Trump accepts the olive subdivision remains unclear.Trump’s archetypal effect was dismissive yet ambiguous. Asked astatine a White House property league whether helium would talk to Musk, Trump said: “I haven’t truly thought astir it… Maybe he’s already called. You’d person to inquire him. I’d person nary problems with it.” The tone, portion noncommittal, contrasts sharply with his past remarks, wherever helium called Musk “a antheral who has mislaid his mind”, “a big-time cause addict,” and idiosyncratic who had “gone CRAZY!” for criticising his EV mandates.

Trump besides warned that Musk could suffer authorities contracts if helium backed Democrats.By week’s end, the erstwhile president had offered what sounded similar a last word: “Wish Elon well.” In Trumpian lexicon, it’s often a euphemism for governmental exile.Here are immoderate imaginable reactions from Trump: 1. The Cold Shoulder: “I don’t deliberation astir Elon”Most LikelyTrump’s go-to determination erstwhile crossed: unreal he’s unbothered portion subtly twisting the knife. He’s already said, “Wish Elon well,” and “Maybe he’s already called.”

Expect much of this “I’m excessively important to care” posture.“I don’t attraction astir Elon. Never did. But he’s been precise disloyal. Sad!”2. Mockery Mode: “Elon’s connected drugs again”Highly LikelyHaving already branded Musk a “big-time cause addict,” Trump won’t defy the temptation to suggest the apology was ketamine-fuelled. It’s cruel, personal, and precisely his style.“Looks similar Elon’s trader chopped him off—now he’s begging for forgiveness.”3. Revenge with a Smile: “He knows I’m winning”Very PossibleTrump mightiness dainty the apology arsenic an admittance of defeat. In his world, apologies = weakness. Expect a triumph thigh connected Truth Social.“Even Elon knows who the existent person is. He wants backmost in. Not happening!”4. The WWE Heel Turn: “Elon’s a loser, ever was”Somewhat LikelyIf Trump feels Musk is inactive a threat—or if Musk dares to hedge his loyalties—expect a scorched-earth takedown, implicit with Tesla jabs and X mockery.“Tesla’s collapsing. Twitter’s a mess. Elon’s a fraud—always was!”5. Transactional Forgiveness: “We’ll spot what helium does next”Least Likely—for nowWhile Trump is transactional, this usually comes aft nationalist humiliation. Unless Musk grovels publically oregon pledges fealty to Trump 2024, forgiveness remains disconnected the table.“If helium plays ball, maybe. But actions talk louder than weird tweets.”Bottom line: Trump doesn’t forgive; helium negotiates. And helium ne'er lets a billionaire apology spell to discarded without squeezing it for attention, dominance—or revenge.