Washington was rocked this week by a public clash between President Donald Trump and former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk.

Although there is evidence that the intensity of their fight may be decreasing, Trump seems to have ended attempts at reconciliation. 

President says he is "not thinking about Elon Musk"

According to Newsmax, the president gave that impression on Friday when speaking with a group of reporters aboard Air Force One.

"There are efforts," Trump was quoted as saying after being asked about attempts to repair his relationship with Musk. Yet he quickly added, "But I'm not really interested in that."

"I'm really interested in the country solving problems, including war problems in very faraway lands," the president went on to insist.

"Honestly, I've been so busy working on China, working on Russia, working on Iran … I'm not thinking about Elon Musk. I just wish him well," Trump added.

Trump: "The U.S. can survive without almost anybody … except me"

When a reporter inquired as to the possibility that contracts with Musk's SpaceX company could be canceled, the president said, "We'll take a look at everything."

However, Trump declared that he will only act if it's "fair for him and the country" and then asserted, "The U.S. can survive without almost anybody … except me."

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt provided a statement to CNN on Thursday concerning the president's split with Musk.

The official maintained that Trump "is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again.

Signs that fight between Trump and Musk may bee cooling off

Newsmax pointed out that Trump's remarks come one day after signs emerged that his dispute with Musk could be in the process of cooling off.

One sign of that came when hedge fund manager Bill Ackman put up a post on X that called for unity between the president and his former adviser.

"I support (Donald Trump) and (Elon Musk)  and they should make peace for the benefit of our great country. We are much stronger together than apart," Ackman stated, prompting Musk to respond by writing, "You're not wrong."

The Hill noted how for his part, Trump refused to comment on a recent New York Times article which alleged drug use by Musk, saying the piece "sounded very unfair."  He also acknowledged that DOGE "helped us a lot" and will continue to work.