Donald Trump tried to cut ties with Elon Musk’s SpaceX following their fallout, it has been reported. As Mr Trump’s relationship with his former “first buddy” descended into a bitter feud, the US president suggested he could save public money by terminating contracts awarded to Mr Musk’s companies.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has bought Starlink services — but also fell into the crosshairs of Musk. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024, Musk said FEMA was blocking deliveries of the terminals, a claim the agency called false. FEMA did not respond to repeated requests for comment on its use of Starlink.