Trump, Musk unite for AI deal: Is a new era of friendship in the making?

President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk are seemingly on the path to reconciliation after the administration announced a groundbreaking partnership with Musk’s AI company, xAI. 

Unveiled by the US General Services Administration, the deal will introduce “Grok for Government,” Musk’s advanced AI chatbot, across federal agencies for just $0.42 per organisation.

The 18-month contract, lasting until March 2027, is the longest agreement of its kind. It will provide agencies access to Grok 4 and Grok 4 Fast, along with training programmes and secure integration support. 

For Trump, who has frequently touted America’s leadership in emerging technologies, the deal marks a symbolic return of Musk into the fold of government collaboration. 

However, beyond the headlines, the question remains: is this the start of a renewed friendship between two of the most influential and volatile figures in US politics and business?

Trump and Musk reconnect at Charlie Kirk memorial

Fueling speculation about their relationship, Trump and Musk were recently seen seated together at conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s memorial service earlier this month. 

Photographs showed the two shaking hands and conversing, despite months of heated exchanges online.

When asked later about the encounter, Trump remarked: “Elon came over and said hello. I thought it was nice that he came over. We had a good relationship, and it was nice to have a little conversation.”

From allies to rivals

Trump and Musk’s relationship has been anything but stable. Once close allies, particularly during Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, when Musk spent nearly $290 million supporting Trump and Republican candidates, the two started engaging in public feuds by mid-2025.

Their social media arguments, carried out on Trump’s Truth Social and Musk’s X platform, escalated after Musk resigned from Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). 

Musk cited opposition to Trump’s massive tax and spending bill, calling it a “massive abomination” and accusing it of undermining fiscal responsibility.

The Epstein files fallout

The feud worsened when Musk implied Trump’s name might appear in unreleased Epstein files, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files.” 

The post disappeared within hours, but it had already fueled tensions.

While Trump’s past association with Epstein is well-documented, he has never been accused of criminal wrongdoing. 

Meanwhile, newly surfaced estate records also linked Musk’s name to a possible 2014 visit to Epstein’s private island, a claim Musk firmly denies.

This whole drama left deep scars, as both men were forced to defend their reputations while trading barbs online.

Silent breakup on social media

There is more to the story as during late summer, Trump removed all mentions of Musk from his Truth Social feed, erasing earlier posts that praised the Tesla and SpaceX founder. 

What was once mutual admiration turned into cold distance, with neither willing to publicly reconcile, until now.

A complicated friendship

Experts remain divided on whether this AI deal signals genuine reconciliation or simply a transactional partnership. 

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told NewsNation: “Elon Musk really earned the President’s admiration. But in his departure, he expressed a negativity the President won’t forget. Trump will forgive, but not forget.”

Political analysts note that both men thrive on spectacle and may find utility in aligning once again—Trump for technological credibility, and Musk for policy influence. 

Yet, as history shows, their bond is prone to sudden collapses.

Looking ahead

The Trump–Musk AI partnership underscores how intertwined politics and technology have become in shaping America’s future. 

But it also revives questions about trust, loyalty, and personal rivalry between two of the nation’s most polarizing figures.