- Trump took a light-hearted jab at Elon Musk during an investment forum.
- “You are so lucky I am with you Elon,” he told the Tesla boss in front of guests.
- Trump ended EV tax credits but allows new car buyers to deduct loan interest.
If you thought Tesla vs. Trump was yesterday’s soap opera, think again. The pair just delivered a brand-new episode at a Saudi-backed investment forum in Washington, where President Trump managed to roast Elon Musk in front of what might be the most powerful front row ever assembled at the Kennedy Center.
Musk, seated between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and NVIDIA boss Jensen Huang, attended the event as part of his first public swing through D.C. since leaving Washington in May.
But before he could even sip his water, Trump took the mic and reminded everyone who’s really running the show.
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“You are so lucky I am with you Elon. Has he ever thanked me properly?” Trump joked, pointing straight at Musk while the room of CEOs burst into laughter. And if there’s one thing the Tesla CEO knows, it’s how to lean into the bit.
Hours later he hopped on X to deliver exactly what was asked: “I would like to thank President Trump for all he has done for America and the world.”
That post went out to 229 million followers, so consider the debt repaid. But what was Musk thanking Trump for? The Tesla CEO hated Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” when it launched because it ditched EV tax credits.
The bill does, however, introduce a different scheme, one that lets new car buyers deduct loan interest to lower their tax bill though it seems few buyers will benefit. And Trump couldn’t resist one more jab at his frenemy.
“Elon would like to have it differently. A deduction only if you buy a Tesla, right?” Trump said, before assuring the room that the deal applies to everyone. According to him, it could spark a major boom in car sales of all energy types.
While Musk may have once labeled the bill a “disgusting abomination,” the two now appear to be back on speaking terms. Trump even greeted him warmly at a private dinner the night before, alongside Apple’s Tim Cook and a surprise cameo from soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo.
It’s a strange new chapter for two of America’s most headline-friendly billionaires. But for car shoppers, that loan-interest deduction might make your next new car a little easier to justify, regardless of what fuels it.
I would like to thank President Trump for all he has done for America and the world pic.twitter.com/KdK9VC2MLs
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 19, 2025
