Musk back in US political spotlight: Dinner with Trump fuels deal rumors

This was Musk’s first invitation to the White House following public disputes with US President Donald Trump over policy and social media. He attended a state dinner in honor of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The black-tie event gathered political leaders, business figures, and prominent public personalities. Among those present were Vice President JD Vance with his wife, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegset, Senator Marco Rubio, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, First Lady Melania Trump, and House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Incidentally, the guest list extended beyond politics and business. Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo was also present, which the president mentioned, telling guests that earlier in the evening he had introduced the athlete to Barron Trump.

Beginning his speech, Trump said, “This room is loaded up with the biggest leaders in the world.”

The evening featured an elegant ceremony: Trump welcomed the prince on the South Lawn with a military band, a mounted procession, and a fighter jet flyover.

The main purpose of the event was to highlight the strategic partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia, particularly in regional security and energy.

Musk’s presence among the US political and business elite has already fueled speculation about possible new agreements and the billionaire’s influence on political processes, especially in the context of discussions on technology, energy, and international relations.

Musk-Trump conflict: What we know

The public conflict between Elon Musk and Donald Trump lasted several months this year, drawing media attention due to sharp statements and exchanges of criticism on social media.

The billionaire had been an influential Trump ally, spending nearly $300 million supporting Republicans in last year’s elections.

The dispute between the two prominent figures erupted after Musk criticized Trump’s bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill, calling it disastrous. Musk later stated that the legislation would significantly increase the national debt.

As a result of the conflict, Musk stepped back from his unofficial role in the so-called Government Efficiency Department and publicly expressed disagreement with Trump’s position.

For several months afterward, Musk did not attend official White House events.

Trump even threatened Musk with deportation, accusing him of dissatisfaction over the cancellation of the electric vehicle mandate.

Musk was later seen with Trump at the September funeral of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, but he had not returned to major state events until the dinner with the Crown Prince.