In a rare moment of public reflection, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has expressed regret over several past social media posts concerning former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking during a Q&A session at the Future Tech Forum in San Francisco on Wednesday, Musk addressed a question about the role of social media in political discourse. “There were definitely moments I should have handled differently,” Musk admitted. “Some of the posts I made about Trump were reactionary. In hindsight, I regret a few of them.”
Musk, who acquired X (formerly Twitter) in 2022, has been an influential figure in shaping online dialogue around politics and technology. His interactions with and about Trump have drawn scrutiny, often sparking waves of debate across platforms.
While Musk did not specify which posts he was referring to, he emphasized the need for more “measured communication” and expressed concern about the divisive nature of political commentary on social media. “It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, especially when you’re in the public eye,” he said. “But the goal should be to elevate discourse, not inflame it.”
A spokesperson for Trump did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Musk’s comments come amid broader discussions about tech accountability and the responsibilities of platform owners in curating content. The remarks have drawn mixed reactions online, with some praising the candor and others questioning the timing and motivation behind the statement.
This isn’t the first time Musk has reversed course or revised his public stance on political matters. Still, the acknowledgment of personal misjudgment marks a notable shift in tone for the often outspoken Tesla and SpaceX CEO.
