An escalating feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump threatens to disrupt key U.S. space programs and jeopardize $22 billion in government contracts with SpaceX.
A public clash between SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump has raised alarms in Washington and beyond, as political tensions risk spilling into the future of American space exploration.
The fallout began after Musk sharply criticized Trump’s tax and spending proposals, prompting a combative response from Trump during Oval Office remarks. What followed was a volley of attacks on social media, culminating in Trump threatening to revoke federal contracts held by Musk’s companies. In retaliation, Musk said he would begin decommissioning the Dragon spacecraft - SpaceX’s crew vehicle used by NASA.
Though Musk later walked back that statement, calling it “good advice” to cool off, his initial threat sent shockwaves through the aerospace industry. The Dragon capsule is central to U.S. crewed spaceflight under a $5 billion NASA contract and currently serves as the only American vehicle transporting astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS).
SpaceX holds approximately $22 billion in government contracts, including missions with both NASA and the Pentagon. The prospect of politically motivated cancellations could seriously undermine U.S. space ambitions, experts warn.
The spat has also fractured a once-cozy relationship between Musk and Trump, which had previously led to favorable policy shifts for SpaceX - ranging from Mars mission proposals to expanded military launch access.
NASA declined to comment directly on the matter. Spokesperson Bethany Stevens stated only that the agency would “continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the president’s objectives in space are met.”
If SpaceX were to pull the Dragon from service, it could disrupt international collaboration aboard the ISS, a cornerstone of space diplomacy.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that a draft memorandum with the U.S. covers issues including Iran’s nuclear programme, reopening the Strait ...
U.S. and Pakistani leaders forecast a Sunday signing of a long-elusive framework agreement to end fighting between the United States and Iran, as Reut...
Australia put on a defensive masterclass as they beat Türkiye 2-0 in Vancouver in the final opening Group D match....
Romania's centrist President Nicușor Dan on Sunday designated Adrian Veștea, a member of the liberal party, as prime minister, after independent can...
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Georgia to implement reforms to tackle youth unemployment. Nearly 30 per cent of people aged 15-24 ar...
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Georgia to implement reforms to tackle youth unemployment. Nearly 30 per cent of people aged 15-24 are without a job in the country, according to World Bank data.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to publish the UK government's long-awaited Defence Investment Plan ahead of next month's NATO summit in Ankara, following growing pressure over the UK's military spending commitments.
Hundreds of protesters have torn down fences surrounding a planned luxury development site in Albania, as public anger continues to mount over construction in environmentally sensitive areas.
George Russell continued Mercedes's dominant qualifying form by securing pole position for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, while Lewis Hamilton ensured an all British front row with second place for Ferrari.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
In the runup to the G7 summit, hosted by France in Évian-les-Bains on Monday, 15 June, China has addressed global economic balances in a videoconference hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. It is a rarity for Beijing to engage directly with the group.
Romania's centrist President Nicușor Dan on Sunday designated Adrian Veștea, a member of the liberal party, as prime minister, after independent candidate Eugen Tomac withdrew.
North Korea said on Sunday, 14 June, that denuclearisation is a matter that is irreversibly terminated, in a condemnation of recent nuclear deterrence talks between the U.S. and South Korea.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to publish the UK government's long-awaited Defence Investment Plan ahead of next month's NATO summit in Ankara, following growing pressure over the UK's military spending commitments.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says British armed forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker early on Sunday, as it attempted to pass through the English Channel.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment