U.S. President Donald Trump is hosting an exclusive dinner on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the White House’s Rose Garden, bringing together over 20 technology and business leaders, including Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, and Sundar Pichai. The event, held after a forum on artificial intelligence (AI) led by First Lady Melania Trump, marks the reopening of the newly renovated Rose Garden patio. Notably absent from the guest list is Elon Musk, owner of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, following a public falling-out with Trump in June. Musk’s exclusion underscores the complex relationship between the president and Silicon Valley, which is now seeking alignment with the White House after years of tension. The dinner highlights a strategic reengagement between big tech and the administration, while Musk faces the repercussions of his rift with Trump. Below, details of the event, the Trump-Musk feud, and its implications for the tech industry.
Why Musk was left out
Elon Musk’s absence from the White House dinner reflects a rift that began in May 2025, when he stepped down from Trump’s administration after serving as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for 130 days. Musk promised to slash $2 trillion in federal spending but delivered less than 10% of that goal, drawing internal criticism. His departure was fueled by tensions with Trump, particularly after Musk publicly criticized a budget bill, calling it a “repugnant abomination.”
- Public clashes: Musk and Trump exchanged barbs on social media, with Musk alleging Trump’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein’s files, a post he later deleted.
- Trump’s threats: The president hinted at cutting SpaceX and Tesla subsidies and contracts, even suggesting Musk’s deportation despite his U.S. citizenship.
- Impact on Musk’s companies: Tesla’s stock dropped 14% after the feud, erasing $150 billion in market value.
Musk’s exclusion from the dinner signals a decline in his influence within the White House, as other tech leaders work to strengthen ties with Trump.
The dinner and Silicon Valley’s new stance
The Rose Garden event gathers prominent tech CEOs, including Satya Nadella of Microsoft and Sam Altman of OpenAI, following an AI-focused forum. The dinner, set against the backdrop of the Mar-a-Lago-inspired Rose Garden renovation, underscores the White House’s focus on technology. Silicon Valley, once at odds with Trump over content moderation and antitrust issues, has shifted its approach since his 2024 election victory.
Tech executives are now aligning their policies with the administration’s agenda, particularly its push to roll back diversity and equity programs.
- Key attendees: Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), Tim Cook (Apple), Sundar Pichai (Google), Sam Altman (OpenAI), and Safra Catz (Oracle) are confirmed.
- Strategic goals: Companies seek Trump’s support for AI and emerging tech projects while avoiding stricter regulations.
- Political context: The dinner follows donations from firms like Google and Microsoft to Trump’s inauguration.
Musk’s absence raises questions about the future of SpaceX, reliant on government contracts, and Tesla, facing potential cuts to electric vehicle incentives.
Musk’s tenure in Trump’s administration
Musk took charge of DOGE in January 2025, tasked with slashing federal spending. Over 130 days, he spearheaded controversial moves, including shutting down USAID and firing thousands of federal employees. His actions faced pushback, with lawsuits blocking DOGE’s access to Treasury data.
- Initial move: DOGE dismantled the Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council’s website, signaling an anti-diversity agenda.
- Controversies: Musk was accused of using AI to monitor federal employees’ communications and adding immigrants to a deceased persons’ database.
- Abrupt exit: Musk’s dismissal was described as swift and unceremonious, with Trump calling him a “political liability.”
Despite initially retaining an informal advisory role, Musk’s criticism of Trump’s budget bill escalated tensions, leading to his exclusion from the dinner.
The feud’s impact on the tech sector
The Trump-Musk rift has significant implications for the tech industry, particularly for SpaceX, reliant on NASA contracts, and Tesla, at risk of losing electric vehicle incentives. The White House is exploring alternatives to SpaceX for the “Golden Dome” missile defense project, such as Amazon’s Kuiper Project.
- Aerospace competition: Companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are being considered to replace SpaceX in military projects.
- Financial fallout: Tesla’s stock plunge reflects investor uncertainty sparked by the feud.
- Shifting alliances: As Musk faces isolation, other tech giants strengthen ties with Trump, seeking competitive advantages.
The Rose Garden dinner is not just a social event but a pivotal moment in reshaping tech industry power dynamics.
The future of Trump-Musk relations
Despite Musk retracting some statements, such as deleting the Epstein-related post and praising Trump for a Gaza ceasefire, reconciliation seems unlikely. Trump has stated he “assumes” their relationship is over, while Musk hinted at forming a new political party, the “America Party,” in response to Trump’s fiscal policies.
- Reconciliation attempts: Teams from both sides tried to de-escalate, but Trump remains confrontational.
- Musk’s statements: The billionaire admitted some posts went too far but continues to critique Trump’s policies.
- Political ramifications: The feud could push Musk to support Democratic candidates, prompting Trump to threaten “serious consequences.”
The September 4 dinner marks a turning point, with Musk sidelined and big tech vying to fill the gap in influence.
