2025-05-02T03:47:47Z

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In a recent commencement address at the University of Alabama, former U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly made headlines with a somewhat awkward jab aimed at his erstwhile ally, Elon Musk. This came just days after Musks departure from the White House, marking a shift in their relationship that had seen its fair share of ups and downs.

Speaking to the enthusiastic graduating class on Thursday, Trump boasted about the changing tides of support from some of his previous critics in Silicon Valley, specifically mentioning Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. With a confident demeanor, he remarked, "They have started kissing my a--," referring to Musk and other tech moguls who once opposed him during his first presidential term.

During his speech, which touched on themes of perseverance and reforming a "broken system," Trump elaborated on the challenges of effecting change. He noted, "Change is never easy, and the closer you get to success, the more ferociously those with a vested interest in the past will resist you. They want to resist." His remarks hinted at a broader commentary on his administration's efforts to dismantle established norms and practices in American politics.

Trumps speech was not only about Musk but also included his controversial stance on transgender women in sports, which elicited loud cheers from the audience. He expressed the importance of following one's instincts in the pursuit of a visionary agenda, emphasizing that with the right vision, nothing could hold one back.

After praising Musk as "terrific," Trump reminisced about how the tech community's opinion of him had shifted. He cheekily remarked, "If you look at some of these internet people, I know so many of them. Elon is so terrific, but I know now all of them, they all hated me in my first term, and now theyre kissing my a--." This candid admission reflected the complexities of their relationship, which has seen both public discontent and mutual admiration.

There was a notable tension between Trump and Musk in the recent past. In 2022, Musk had publicly questioned Trumps viability as a candidate for a second term, suggesting that he should "sail into the sunset." Trump retaliated by asserting that Musk had once sought his assistance for various subsidized projects, implying that Musk's current success was deeply intertwined with his administration's support.

Despite their sporadic clashes, the two have navigated a complicated friendship over the years. Trump has occasionally poked fun at Musk, indicating that their relationship could be as volatile as the stock market that Musk influences. In November 2024, he quipped, "Elon wont go home. I cant get rid of him, until I dont like him." However, with Musks recent shift in focus back to Tesla and away from the White House, it appears that the dynamic may be changing once more.

As the week progressed, reports indicated that Musk was packing up his workspace at the White House, signaling a retreat from the political spotlight he had briefly occupied. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles commented on this change, explaining that while Musk was still involved, he was no longer physically present as frequently. "Instead of meeting with him in person, Im talking to him on the phone, but its the same net effect," Wiles stated in an interview with the New York Post, emphasizing that Musk's influence was still felt despite his absence.