Tesla CEO Elon Musk (left) and U.S. President Donald Trump. AFP Yonhap NewsThe Washington Post (WP) reported on the 29th (local time) that the reconciliation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who had once exchanged sharp criticisms and reached a rupture in their relationship, was significantly influenced by Vice President JD Vance, a strong contender for the Republican presidential nomination.

President Trump and Musk grew close during the last presidential election, displaying a strong bromance. Musk was even dubbed "Trump's First Buddy" for providing substantial political funds to the Trump campaign during the election period.

After winning the election, President Trump appointed Musk to lead the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE).

Musk unflinchingly wielded the "knife" of dismissing federal government employees and cutting budgets, which led to conflicts with many of President Trump's close associates.

The decisive event that fractured their relationship was the tax cut bill pursued by the Trump administration.

Musk publicly criticized the bill and simultaneously revealed his plan to form a third political party, even referencing President Trump's association with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In response, President Trump also publicly criticized Musk, calling him a "terrible drug addict," and rescinded the nomination of Musk's associate Jared Isaacman for NASA Administrator, making it seem as if their relationship had reached an irreversible point of rupture.

According to the WP report, Vice President Vance was the most actively involved in mediating their reconciliation during this process.

The WP noted, "Musk is unpredictable, but he is also a tremendous ally. With almost unlimited resources and unparalleled digital influence, Musk could become a powerful asset to the MAGA movement after Trump's term," highlighting that Vance, a leading presidential candidate for the Republican party, could benefit from such an alliance with Musk.

Concerned that Musk's new party could negatively impact the Republican party's political endeavors, including the upcoming midterm elections, Vice President Vance not only contacted Musk directly but also called his associates, urging them to persuade Musk to abandon his plans to form a new party.

Furthermore, Vice President Vance contacted members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to secure their support for Isaacman's renomination as NASA Administrator and to ensure a swift confirmation.

During this process, high-ranking White House officials such as Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and AI Tsar David Sacks also provided behind-the-scenes assistance.

The White House nominated Sergio Gor, the White House Personnel Director who opposed Isaacman's appointment as NASA Administrator, as Ambassador to India.

Of course, Musk's associates were hesitant about forming a new party, and after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September, Musk expanded his interactions with Republican figures and expressed his intention to return to politics for the upcoming midterm elections, the WP reported.

Ultimately, Vice President Vance's months-long efforts to mediate reconciliation succeeded last month. Musk's attendance at a White House banquet welcoming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where he greeted President Trump, was seen as effectively ending the period of conflict.

More recently, reports have emerged that Musk has made substantial political donations to the Republican party and has promised further support.

Although President Trump and Musk have regained a friendly relationship, both sides assess this "truce" as unstable.

Additionally, there are analyses suggesting that Vance's deep relationship with Musk could become a political liability for him, the mediator of their reconciliation.

The WP stated, "Vance, who has faced criticism for his friendships with billionaires since his 2021 Senate campaign, may need to proceed cautiously," adding, "The bond with Musk carries political risks, as skepticism towards Silicon Valley is widespread among many Americans, and this skepticism is deeply entrenched even within MAGA."