SpaceX’s Dragon capsule became embroiled in the Musk-Trump feud when Elon Musk threatened to decommission the spacecraft in retaliation to comments made by US President Donald Trump.
The former “buddies” are currently locked in a fierce war of words on social media after Musk made scathing remarks about President Trump’s proposed ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Act.
As the fallout between the two escalated on June 5, 2025, President Trump suggested that the US could end federal contracts with Musk’s companies.
“The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” President Trump wrote in a social media post.
Clearly angered, Musk replied: “In light of the President’s statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately.”
The Dragon capsule is currently the main option for safely transporting US astronauts to and from the Internation Space Station (ISS).
After an unknown X user suggested Musk should “cool off” and “take a step back for a couple of days”, the SpaceX owner seemed to agree.
Later, Bethany Stevens, a press secretary for NASA, appeared to comment directly on the argument.
“NASA will continue to execute upon the President’s vision for the future of space. We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the President’s objectives in space are met,” wrote Stevens.
Reuters estimates that the disagreement between President Trump and the world’s richest man puts $22 billion-worth of SpaceX contracts at risk.
In light of the President’s statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately pic.twitter.com/NG9sijjkgW
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025
The recent dispute between the erstwhile political allies appeared to start after Musk officially said his farewells to the White House. Then, on June 3, 2025, he described President Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ as a “disgusting abomination”.
When President Trump was asked about Musk’s criticism on June 5, 2025, he suggested that the billionaire was “upset” that Tesla would not benefit from subsidies in the new legislation.
“Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
Over several hours, both men posted accusations, with Musk claiming President Trump would not have won a second term without his help. At one stage, Musk suggested President Trump should be impeached.
President Trump posted that he had ask Musk to “leave” the White House because he was “wearing thin”.
