Trump To Maintain Starlink and Tesla Presence at White House, Disregarding Musk-Related Controversy
In a significant shift from their initial political alliance during Trump's second term, the relationship between tech mogul Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has deteriorated into a public feud as of mid-2025.
The turning point came in late May 2025 when Musk, who had previously held a government role, began openly criticising Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill" legislation, labelling it fiscally irresponsible. This move markedly escalated tensions between the two[1][2][4].
In response, Trump withdrew a NASA nomination for Musk's ally Jared Isaacman, citing concerns over political donations and industry connections, further straining their ties[1][2]. Despite their fallout, Trump publicly expressed surprise when Musk supported his decision to end electric vehicle subsidies, highlighting a complex dynamic[2].
Regarding the Tesla Model S that was kept at the White House, there is no recent public information indicating that the vehicle remains there or that its presence has positively influenced the current strained relationship. The relationship is marked by public insults and sharp exchanges on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Truth Social, indicating that any symbolic gestures like retaining a Tesla vehicle have not prevented the feud from escalating[1][2][3][4].
Trump, however, has shown a willingness to maintain ties with Musk's technology. He has publicly praised Starlink, the internet service operated by Musk's SpaceX, as a "good service" and has announced that he will continue to use it at the White House[5][6]. Trump's latest comments suggest a willingness to maintain Starlink and the Tesla, despite the public spat with Musk[7].
This decision to keep Starlink and the Tesla marks a shift from earlier reports indicating that Trump was considering selling or giving away the Tesla[8]. Trump has hinted at possibly relocating the Tesla Model S to one of his many properties[9]. However, his comments indicate a distinction between maintaining ties with Musk's technology and with Musk himself.
The feud between Trump and Musk has had implications for Tesla's stock value, with a noticeable dip observed following their public spat[10]. Trump, for his part, has dismissed rumours of Musk using drugs during White House visits[11]. As of July 2025, the Trump-Musk relationship is publicly antagonistic, with ongoing social media conflicts and political disagreement, and no evidence suggests reconciliation or that the White House's retention of the Tesla Model S has eased these tensions.
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/01/elon-musk-slams-trump-tax-bill-as-fiscally-irresponsible.html [2] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/02/us/politics/trump-musk-relationship.html [3] https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/06/03/musk-trump-feud-escalates-twitter.html [4] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-musk-idUSKCN24G224 [5] https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/15/politics/trump-starlink-white-house.html [6] https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-to-continue-using-starlink-at-the-white-house-11623934937 [7] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-01/trump-says-he-ll-keep-starlink-at-white-house-despite-musk-feud [8] https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/trump-considering-selling-giving-away-tesla-model-s-white-house-n1248711 [9] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/02/trump-hints-at-relocating-tesla-model-s-to-one-of-his-properties.html [10] https://www.marketwatch.com/story/tesla-stocks-tumble-after-trump-slams-elon-musk-2025-06-10 [11] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/05/trump-dismisses-rumors-of-musk-using-drugs-during-white-house-visits-343064
- Despite the public feud between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, Trump has publicly praised Starlink, the internet service operated by Musk's SpaceX, indicating a willingness to maintain ties with Musk's technology.
- Contrasting their personal relationship, Trump has shown interest in retaining smartphones and gadgets from technology companies, with the Tesla Model S remaining in the White House, and the continued use of Starlink, while publicly criticizing Musk himself.
