Elon Musk put aside political disputes to praise President Trump for brokering a 60-day Israel-Gaza ceasefire, even as tensions continue over domestic policy and spending.

Musk Pauses Criticism to Credit Trump’s Diplomacy

In a rare moment of public approval, Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, commended President Donald Trump for helping secure a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. The acknowledgment came Wednesday, just after Trump announced that Israel had agreed to terms for a 60-day pause in hostilities, following a productive round of meetings between U.S. officials and Israeli counterparts.

“Credit where credit is due. @realDonaldTrump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world,” Musk posted early Wednesday on X, formerly Twitter. He also shared Trump’s social media post outlining the ceasefire’s terms and the White House’s efforts to promote stability in the region.

Musk’s praise was notable for its timing. The billionaire entrepreneur has been outspoken in his criticism of Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” a sweeping tax and spending package that passed the Senate just a day prior. Musk argued that the bill’s increased federal spending—raising the debt ceiling by $5 trillion—was a sign that the nation had become a “one-party country.” He suggested that it was “time for a new political party that actually cares about the people.”

Disputes Over Spending and Subsidies Persist

Tensions between Musk and Trump have simmered since May, when Musk left his post at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency he once led under Trump’s administration. Following his departure, the two traded public barbs, with Musk criticizing Trump’s fiscal approach and Trump, in turn, accusing Musk of seeking special treatment through electric vehicle subsidies.

The president was blunt in addressing Musk’s criticism. “Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly Endorsed me for President, that I was strongly against the EV Mandate,” Trump posted on Truth Social. He added, “Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”

In remarks to reporters Tuesday, Trump even suggested he would “take a look” at deporting Musk, and humorously floated the idea of sending DOGE after him over Tesla’s government support. Musk responded to Trump’s jibe with restraint, writing, “So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now.”

Despite sharp disagreements, both figures maintain significant influence in their respective spheres—Musk in technology and industry, Trump in politics and global affairs. The temporary pause in their dispute highlights how moments of international diplomacy can bring even the most combative personalities together. As Washington continues to debate the consequences of major spending packages and the future of electric vehicles, the Musk-Trump relationship remains a telling example of shifting alliances and rivalries shaping national policy debates.