In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly addressed his relationship with Tesla CEO Elon Musk during a commencement speech at the University of Alabama on May 1, 2025. While initially praising Musk, Trump followed with a veiled jab at the tech billionaire, further complicating their already dynamic public history.
The remarks came just days after Musk officially stepped back from his active presence in the White House, shifting focus back to Tesla and other business operations. The comments, delivered in front of an enthusiastic crowd, come amid broader political narratives involving tech leaders, government collaboration, and evolving media strategies.
Donald Trump takes a subtle dig at Elon Musk following White House exit
During the graduation ceremony at the University of Alabama, President Trump delivered a speech that ranged from policy accomplishments to personal anecdotes. One notable section addressed tech industry figures, whom he referred to as “internet people.” Trump highlighted the shift in sentiment among Silicon Valley elites, claiming they had transitioned from opposing him during his first term to now offering support.
“Elon is so terrific,” Trump began, before pivoting to a more confrontational tone: “They all hated me in my first term, and now they’re kissing my a$$.”
“You know… it’s true. All of them. It’s true,” President said.
The statement drew loud cheers from the audience but was seen by many analysts as a thinly veiled jab at Musk, who had recently concluded his informal advisory role within the White House.
Musk’s departure from the White House
Earlier in the week, it was reported that Elon Musk had vacated his temporary workspace at the White House, marking a shift in his advisory involvement. While Musk was not officially part of Trump’s administration, he had been frequently consulted on topics ranging from space policy to emerging technologies. According to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Musk’s withdrawal is not a complete departure.
“He’s not out of it altogether. He’s just not physically present as much as he was,” Wiles stated in an interview with the New York Post. “Instead of meeting in person, the president now speaks with him over the phone.”
Musk once ‘begged’ for help, Trump claims
Trump and Musk have a long and fluctuating history of public interactions marked by both criticism and camaraderie. In 2022, Musk suggested Trump was too old for another presidential term and recommended that he “sail into the sunset.” Trump responded harshly, alleging that Musk was overly reliant on government subsidies and claiming that Musk had once sought his political support for business benefits.
In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “When Elon Musk came to the White House asking me for help on all of his many subsidized projects… without which subsidies he’d be worthless… I could have said, ‘drop to your knees and beg,’ and he would have done it.”
Despite such clashes, the two eventually mended ties. Musk became a frequent presence at White House discussions and was seen attending meetings wearing symbolic gear such as a cap labeled “Gulf of America.”
Strategic use of media and rhetoric
Trump’s public commentary on Musk fits within a broader pattern of his media strategy. By alternating between praise and provocation, Trump maintains control over narratives involving powerful individuals and industries. His remarks about Musk were delivered amid statements on broader issues like transgender participation in sports and systemic reform, linking individual anecdotes to his overarching political themes.
This strategy serves dual purposes: energizing his supporter base while reminding influential allies of their dependency on favorable political alliances. The approach mirrors tactics used in previous campaigns and speeches.
