A surprising détente between President Trump and Elon Musk signals a cooling of tensions, with Trump affirming his commitment to retaining his Tesla and Starlink services at the White House.
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he will not sell the Tesla vehicle he purchased from Elon Musk, signaling a thaw in their highly publicized feud. The Tesla, acquired at full price during better times as a gesture to promote American-made electric vehicles, was rumored to be on the chopping block after their fallout. Trump clarified he might “move it around” but has no intention of parting with it.
Tesla Stays, Starlink Stays
The president also confirmed that Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet service, will remain in use at the White House. “Starlink is doing a tremendous job, and we’re keeping it,” Trump said during a press briefing. This decision quashes speculation that the administration might sever ties with Musk’s ventures following their public spat. According to a 2024 report by Bloomberg, Starlink has become critical for government communications in remote areas, with over 1,200 terminals deployed for federal use.
Denials and Restraint on Personal Allegations
Addressing questions about Musk’s alleged drug use, as reported by The New York Times, Trump distanced himself, stating, “I wouldn’t know about that. I wish Elon well.” He also refuted claims of a physical altercation between Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, acknowledging only a heated argument. “They had words, but nothing physical. People exaggerate,” Trump said. Sources close to the administration suggest the argument stemmed from policy disagreements over cryptocurrency regulations, though neither party has confirmed details.
The Fallout and Reconciliation
The Trump-Musk rift ignited when Musk criticized Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping economic reform package, calling it “misleading.” Musk escalated the feud by alleging Trump’s involvement in the Epstein files and threatening to fund a new political party. The tech mogul later backtracked, deleting inflammatory posts, including the Epstein claim, and sharing Trump’s post on the Los Angeles riots, a move seen as an olive branch. A recent Pew Research study indicates 62% of Americans view such public spats between leaders as detrimental to national unity, underscoring the significance of their reconciliation.
Broader Implications
Analysts suggest Trump’s decision to retain the Tesla and Starlink reflects pragmatic considerations. “Musk’s companies are deeply embedded in U.S. infrastructure,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a policy analyst at Georgetown University. “Cutting ties would be logistically and politically costly.” The White House’s Tesla, a Model S valued at approximately $90,000, has been used for official events, symbolizing support for American innovation. Meanwhile, Starlink’s role in national security has grown, with the Department of Defense signing a $150 million contract with SpaceX in 2024 for expanded satellite services.
Looking Ahead
While tensions have eased, the Trump-Musk dynamic remains under scrutiny. Musk’s influence, with Tesla’s market cap hovering at $1.2 trillion and SpaceX’s valuation at $350 billion, gives him significant leverage. Trump, however, appears focused on maintaining stability. “Elon’s a character, but he’s doing great things for the country,” Trump remarked, hinting at a willingness to move forward.