President Trump on Thursday awarded Elon Musk the National Medal of Science, the nation's highest scientific honor, in a ceremony that underscored the rekindled alliance between the two men after a year marked by public discord.
Trump praised Musk as a “national treasure” and a “modern-day Thomas Edison,” lauding his contributions to space exploration and electric vehicles. “Quite honestly there's nobody like him,” Trump said. “Few Americans in history have done more to advance America's national interest and Elon, in one field after another, his genius and determination have made science fiction into reality.”
From Fallout to Reconciliation
The award comes just over a year after Musk, who once called himself Trump's “first buddy,” left the administration amid tensions over the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Musk had been a prominent figure in Trump's orbit, spending at least $250 million to support the 2024 campaign and leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting initiative that drew significant controversy. His departure after only four months was followed by a public spat on social media, with Musk even threatening to launch a third party.
The relationship began to mend after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September 2025, when Trump and Musk were seen together at Kirk's memorial service. Since then, they have appeared jointly at major events, including Trump's state visit to China in May and Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington last month.
Tech Titans Honored
Musk was also present at the White House for Trump's artificial intelligence summit, where the president invited him to speak to reporters on the North Lawn. Thursday's ceremony also recognized other tech leaders: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, and AMD CEO Lisa Su received the National Medal of Science, while Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
The event highlights the administration's continued courtship of the tech sector, even as questions persist about the influence of billionaires in politics. The golden age summit earlier this year signaled a similar alignment between the White House and industry leaders.
Observers note that the reconciliation could have broader political implications, as Musk's platforms and resources may again play a role in upcoming elections. The president's recent Alaska rally for a Senate candidate suggests the administration is already looking ahead to the midterms.
