In a stunning escalation of a political and personal feud, Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and CEO of SpaceX, announced that his aerospace company will begin decommissioning its vital Dragon spacecraft. The statement came in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to revoke government contracts awarded to Musk’s companies, including SpaceX and Starlink.
The announcement, made by Musk on his social media platform X, has sent shockwaves through the scientific and space communities. “In light of the President’s statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately,” Musk posted Thursday.
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 Dragon capsule is a critical component of NASA’s current operations, responsible for transporting astronauts and cargo to and from the International Space Station (ISS). It is currently the only U.S.-based spacecraft capable of carrying crews to the ISS. Boeing’s competing Starliner capsule remains grounded after a troubled 2024 test flight, leaving NASA heavily reliant on SpaceX’s services.
While it remains unclear whether Musk’s threat to decommission Dragon is a serious operational directive or a symbolic political gesture, the implications are significant. NASA has partnered with SpaceX not only for ISS missions but also for future crewed lunar landings and deep space exploration.
NASA’s Reliance on SpaceX Creates High-Stakes Uncertainty
Musk’s response was triggered by Trump’s post accusing him of benefiting from excessive governmental subsidies. “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn’t do it!” Trump wrote on his social media account.
The fallout is part of a broader and increasingly bitter feud between the two powerful figures. Earlier this week, Musk slammed Trump’s recently passed tax and spending bill, labeling it a “disgusting abomination.” Trump fired back, suggesting Musk was angered by the bill’s cuts to electric vehicle tax credits. “I’m very disappointed in Elon. I’ve helped Elon a lot,” Trump said Thursday. “He said the most beautiful things about me… but I’m sure that’ll be next.”
Indeed, Musk has not held back. In another post on X, he claimed credit for Trump’s 2024 election victory and accused the former president of “such ingratitude.” Musk also made a bombshell allegation, stating: “Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!”
He followed the accusation with a cryptic warning: “Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out.”
Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025
As the feud escalates into uncharted territory, it threatens to spill over into the realms of space policy, national security, and scientific progress. With SpaceX deeply embedded in U.S. space infrastructure — including critical cargo deliveries, crew transport, and lunar mission planning — Musk’s declaration could have serious consequences if followed through.
Meanwhile, NASA has not issued a formal statement regarding Musk’s remarks or the potential impact on ongoing and future missions.
