Elon Musk Retracts Trump Criticisms, Admits Remarks ‘Went Too Far’

 Tech billionaire Elon Musk expressed regret on June 8, 2025, for some of his past criticisms of President Donald Trump, admitting they “went too far” during a Tesla shareholder meeting in Austin, Texas.

Musk, once a vocal critic of Trump’s policies, particularly on immigration and climate, has softened his stance since Trump’s 2024 re-election, citing the need for “constructive dialogue.” The retraction, a rare moment of contrition, reflects Musk’s evolving relationship with the administration, as Tesla navigates regulatory challenges and global market shifts.

Musk’s earlier critiques, including 2023 tweets calling Trump’s tariff plans “economic suicide,” drew ire from MAGA supporters, prompting boycotts of Tesla products. At the meeting, Musk clarified his support for free markets but acknowledged Trump’s “resilience,” praising his SpaceX partnerships. Analysts suggest Musk’s pivot aims to secure favorable policies, with Tesla facing EU tariffs and a French lawsuit over its brand image.

Shareholders, like Austin’s Sarah Nguyen, welcomed the pragmatism, though critics accused Musk of opportunism. The remarks, streamed live, sparked debate on Musk’s influence, as he balances his X platform’s free-speech advocacy with political realities. The shift, reported by Bloomberg, underscores Musk’s strategic navigation of a polarized landscape.