US President Donald Trump is planning to sell his red Tesla, purchased earlier this year, as his feud with Tesla CEO Elon Musk intensifies, according to a report by The New York Times.
The decision, which was originally symbolic of Trump’s support for Musk, now marks a visible shift in relations between the two powerful figures.
In March, Trump acquired the Tesla vehicle to express solidarity with Musk, then under criticism for his role in supporting federal infrastructure and tech initiatives.
However, officials now confirm that Trump has distanced himself from Musk, showing little interest in reconciliation despite public signals from Musk to ease tensions.
The feud escalated on Thursday when Musk threatened, via social media platform X, to decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, a vital vehicle for transporting astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station.
The move would significantly disrupt NASA operations, as the Dragon remains the only American spacecraft capable of these missions.
Within hours, however, Musk backed down, replying to a user, “Ok, we won’t decommission Dragon.”
Analysts suggest that this high-profile disagreement holds serious implications for both parties.
SpaceX, which has earned billions in federal contracts, could face substantial losses if Trump follows through on his threat to cancel government deals with Musk-owned firms.
Musk’s companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, stand to lose significant federal support.
Conversely, Trump’s political apparatus may also suffer.
Musk reportedly spent $275 million supporting Trump’s 2024 campaign and had pledged an additional $100 million for Republican efforts before the 2026 midterm elections.
Those funds are now uncertain.
Prominent hedge fund manager Bill Ackman urged both men to reconcile ‘for the benefit of our great country’.
Musk responded, ‘You’re not wrong’, hinting at a willingness to lower tensions.
However, Trump has not responded positively, maintaining a combative stance.
Reports also highlight that severing ties with SpaceX could leave critical US agencies, NASA, the Pentagon, and intelligence services, without viable alternatives in space logistics, raising national security concerns.
As the feud unfolds, observers warn that both sides have much to lose.
While Musk has momentarily stepped back from the brink, the broader relationship between Silicon Valley and the Trump administration remains fraught.
Whether the rift deepens or cools may depend on forthcoming political negotiations and strategic decisions in Washington.
Also Read: Musk-Trump Fallout Threatens NASA And Pentagon Operations: Report
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