Elon Musk has returned to Donald Trump’s political circle after a six-month fallout. Musk attended a state dinner in Washington for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, cancelled plans to form his own party, and pledged to fund Republican candidates in the 2026 midterms. The shift follows Trump reversing two decisions that earlier angered Musk.

Elon Musk has made a full return to Donald Trump’s camp after six months of tension, marking his comeback by attending a state dinner hosted for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Washington. Musk has dropped his plans to create a new political party and has signalled clear support for Trump by promising financial backing for Republican candidates in the 2026 midterm elections. His appearance at the event shows a major reset in their relationship, which had hit a low point in May when Musk left Washington and publicly criticised Trump.

Trump’s Moves That Repaired the Relationship
Relations began improving after Trump addressed the two issues that upset Musk the most. Trump renominated Musk’s close associate, Jared Isaacman, for NASA chief, an appointment Musk openly celebrated. Trump also removed senior White House official Sergio Gor, whom Musk saw as blocking Isaacman, by appointing him ambassador to India. These decisions signalled a willingness to rebuild ties, paving the way for Musk’s return.

Private Talks and First Meeting After the Fallout
Trump and Musk first reconnected in September at the memorial service of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. The two were seen sitting together and talking for the first time since Musk quit the Department of Government Efficiency. That conversation reopened communication and reduced tensions from their earlier dispute over the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Musk’s Earlier Clash With Trump and Failed Party Plans
Musk had spent nearly ₹2,500 crore ($300 million) to support Trump’s 2024 election victory and initially became a key adviser. But disagreements over the bill and NASA appointments led to Musk leaving Washington and accusing Trump of being ungrateful. Musk then announced plans for a new “America Party,” but his team later realised the political and financial difficulty of building a third party. With advisors opposing a direct fight with Trump, Musk ultimately abandoned the idea.