In a surprising moment of reflection, Elon Musk has admitted he regrets some of the social media posts he made in the past concerning former U.S. President Donald Trump. Known for his unapologetically brash online persona, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO revealed this during a recent interview, adding nuance to his complicated relationship with American politics and political figures.

Candid Remarks Spark Conversation

Musk, who acquired X (formerly Twitter) in 2022 and often uses it as a megaphone for political commentary, said some of his past posts were “not helpful” and that he would approach political discourse with more thought moving forward. “There are a few things I posted about Trump that, in hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have,” Musk acknowledged, without specifying which posts he referred to.

Musk’s Political Evolution

Over the past few years, Musk’s political positioning has evolved. Once seen as ideologically ambiguous, he has more recently aligned himself with conservative and libertarian viewpoints, frequently criticizing liberal policies and mainstream media. His public disputes with figures on both ends of the political spectrum have made him a polarizing voice.

The Trump-Musk Dynamic

Musk and Trump have shared a complicated dynamic. Though Musk was briefly part of Trump’s business advisory councils during his presidency, he resigned after Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. Since then, their interactions have ranged from praise to open criticism, with Musk calling for “less divisiveness” from politicians, including Trump.

Looking Ahead to 2024

Musk’s recent comments come as the 2024 U.S. presidential race heats up, with Trump seeking a return to the White House. The billionaire’s platform X is expected to play a pivotal role in political discourse during the election season, making Musk’s words even more significant.

Social Media and Public Accountability

This episode adds to the growing conversation about the responsibility of tech leaders in shaping public opinion. Musk’s willingness to admit regret marks a shift from his usually defiant tone, potentially signaling a more measured approach to political commentary in the future.