Trump Keeps White House Starlink as Public Feud with Musk Cools

President Donald Trump confirmed he will keep using Starlink’s satellite internet at the White House, even as his public dispute with Elon Musk, the billionaire behind SpaceX and Tesla, appears to cool.

Trump made this announcement after a week when the two traded harsh words and threats, all playing out in full public view. The feud started when Musk criticized Trump’s signature tax bill, calling it an “abomination,” and escalated as both men attacked each other on social media.

Tesla’s stock took a historic hit during the dispute, falling 14% in a single day and wiping out around $150 billion in market value. This sharp drop reflected investor worries that Trump’s threats to cut government contracts and subsidies for Musk’s companies could become reality.

Analysts noted that Musk’s businesses, including Tesla and SpaceX, have received at least $38 billion in government support over the years. The dispute raised concerns about the future of Tesla’s electric vehicles and Starlink’s government contracts, which are crucial for both companies’ bottom lines.

The White House installed Starlink earlier this year to improve internet connectivity, but the process bypassed standard security checks, causing unease among communications staff.

Trump-Musk Rift Sparks Global Tech Reactions

Security experts warned that skipping these protocols could create risks, but the Trump administration went ahead, citing the need for better service. Despite the recent fallout, Trump said Starlink is a “good service” and that he has no plans to disconnect it.

Some observers believe the very public nature of the feud was intentional, allowing both Trump and Musk to distance themselves from each other.

This could help Trump avoid political fallout from Musk’s controversies and help Musk protect his business interests if Trump’s policies become unpopular. However, these ideas remain speculation, as neither side has confirmed such a strategy.

The rift has also had global effects. European lawmakers renewed calls to invest in their own satellite systems, hoping to reduce reliance on Starlink.

Meanwhile, the U.S. business community watched closely, aware that the relationship between political leaders and major entrepreneurs can move markets and shape technology policy.

This episode shows how public disputes between powerful figures can have real financial and political consequences. Both Trump and Musk now face the challenge of rebuilding trust—both with each other and with the markets that watch their every move.