If you follow tech or politics, you know the relationship between Elon Musk and Donald Trump has been a major source of headlines in 2025. It’s been a rollercoaster, with public feuds, policy disagreements, and surprising reconciliations.
Well, Elon Musk just sat down for a three-hour interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, and he didn’t hold back.
In a conversation that spanned technology, media, and the future of politics, Musk offered his most detailed and surprising thoughts on his complex relationship with the president.
If you’re trying to understand what’s really going on between these two powerful figures, here’s a simple breakdown of what Musk said and what it means for everyone.
The Big Quote: “He’s Not Evil”
The most talked-about moment of the podcast was when Rogan asked Musk about his current view of Donald Trump.
Musk, who has spent significant time with the president, offered a very blunt perspective. He acknowledged that many people view Trump as “the devil, basically.”
But Musk’s take was different. “I think Trump actually is not perfect, but, but he’s not evil,” Musk stated. “Trump is not evil… he’s a product of his time, but he is not evil.”
This comment is significant because it’s a clear attempt by Musk to humanize a deeply polarizing figure. He also criticized the news media, suggesting that their coverage of Trump is often unfair and overly harsh. He told Rogan the media “treats him like he’s super evil,” a sentiment Rogan agreed with, calling the news coverage “pretty shocking.”
This single quote shows that Musk, despite their past conflicts, is willing to publicly defend the president’s character, if not all of his actions.
A Look Back: The “Big Beautiful Breakup” of 2025
To understand why this interview is so important, you have to remember what happened earlier this year. Musk and Trump, once close allies, had a massive and very public falling out.
The tension started in May when Musk, who had been leading a government efficiency task force nicknamed “DOGE,” saw the project collapse. Shortly after, Musk became a vocal critic of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” a massive spending package, warning it would harm the national deficit.
Things truly exploded in June. The two exchanged furious public accusations on social media. This “big beautiful breakup” was so dramatic that the president reportedly threatened to review federal contracts with Musk’s companies, SpaceX and Tesla. For a few months, it seemed their alliance was completely broken.
The Surprising Reconciliation
After such a public feud, many believed the relationship was over for good.
However, the two were seen together again in recent weeks. They both attended a vigil honoring the late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, following his tragic and untimely death in September. This public appearance signaled a truce.
This week, that truce was apparently finalized, as news broke that Musk’s companies had been awarded a new $2 billion government contract.
Musk’s friendly comments on the Rogan podcast seem to confirm that the feud is officially over. They have moved from being public rivals back to a position of, at the very least, mutual respect and cooperation.
What About Policy? Musk on the Border
The conversation wasn’t just about personalities. Musk also weighed in on one of the most challenging topics in American politics: immigration and border policy.
He defended the president’s tough stance on border enforcement. Musk argued that strong borders are essential for maintaining the integrity of fair elections.
At the same time, he didn’t give the policy a blanket endorsement. Musk acknowledged that enforcement can sometimes be “overzealous.” He made the case that while “perfection is impossible” in such a complex area, the goal of a secure border is a necessary one.
What Does This All Mean?
Elon Musk’s latest interview shows that he remains one of the most unpredictable and influential figures in the world.
He is willing to publicly feud with a sitting president and then, just months later, defend his character on the world’s biggest podcast. It shows that in the high-stakes world of tech and politics, alliances are constantly shifting.
For Musk, it seems his focus is on what he sees as practical solutions whether that’s government efficiency or border policy even if it means navigating complex and controversial relationships. For President Trump, it shows he has successfully brought a powerful (and wealthy) ally back into his corner.
One thing is for sure: this rollercoaster relationship will continue to be one of the biggest stories to watch.
