### Trump and Musk Halting Public Feud, Future Relationship Uncertain

The uneasy peace in the ongoing social media spat between former President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk continues to hold after a call between their representatives on Friday, according to two White House officials. Despite pausing his activity on Truth Social, Trump remains far from content, one official revealed, noting that the future of their relationship remains unpredictable.

The public clash between the two titans has simmered down, with both men refraining from further incendiary comments. The online skirmish had previously included Musk calling for Trump's impeachment and Trump threatening to withdraw federal contracts from Musk's companies. Neither side wanted to relent, according to insiders familiar with their thoughts.

A spokesperson for Musk did not respond to requests for comment. Trump's irritation spiked after Musk insinuated a connection between the president and the late Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting Trump was mentioned in the "Epstein files." Though it has long been known that Trump and other high-profile individuals were referenced in documents related to Epstein, Trump has not faced accusations of wrongdoing.

Moreover, Musk's assertion that Trump couldn't have secured his victory without his support, including substantial financial contributions exceeding $250 million, further aggravated the president. Musk's remark about Trump's presumed ingratitude for his support was particularly inflammatory.

The disagreement flared as Trump and Republican leaders were pushing to pass a significant domestic policy package, meant to be a marquee achievement of Trump's second term. Musk criticized this legislative effort, labeling the bill as filled with undesirable provisions.

Signs of discord appeared even before their public disputes on social media. Trump was disillusioned with Musk, feeling he had overpromised on the capabilities of DOGE to enact significant reductions in federal bureaucracy. Further straining their relationship, the White House rescinded the nomination of Jared Isaacman, Musk's choice to head NASA.

White House personnel director Sergio Gor, who played a key role in retracting Isaacman's nomination, has had a contentious relationship with Musk. After a March Cabinet meeting, where Trump emphasized that department heads—not Musk—were in control, tensions heightened. Musk's subsequent actions, including mass firings and controversial warnings to government staff, led to lawsuits and bipartisan criticism.

While political analysts largely believe Trump holds the upper hand if their feud were to reignite, Musk's status as the world's wealthiest individual and his significant online influence present a unique challenge, unmatched by any previous adversary Trump has faced.