Elon Musk threatens to pull Dragon spacecraft as feud with Trump escalates

In a stunning escalation of hostilities, Elon Musk on June 5 threatened to decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft — a critical link in NASA’s operations — after former President Donald Trump publicly vowed to cut federal contracts to the billionaire’s aerospace and satellite ventures.

Posting on X, Musk declared that SpaceX would “begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately,” responding to Trump’s threat to sever government ties with both SpaceX and Starlink. While it remains unclear whether Musk intends to follow through, the implications of such a move could be profound — both for the International Space Station (ISS) and for NASA’s broader space ambitions.

Dragon: A cornerstone of American spaceflight

Developed with heavy support from NASA, the Dragon capsule is currently the only American vehicle capable of transporting astronauts and cargo to the ISS. Without it, NASA would be left with few immediate options.

Boeing’s Starliner — the only other domestic contender — remains grounded following a series of technical setbacks. Its sole crewed flight went so poorly last year that two NASA astronauts were forced to return aboard a SpaceX vehicle, nearly a year after launch. NASA is now considering sending Starliner on a cargo-only mission before trusting it with another human crew.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft — a reliable but politically complex alternative — remains the only other operational vehicle ferrying astronauts to the station. Under a current barter arrangement, SpaceX launches include one Russian cosmonaut, while Soyuz flights include one NASA astronaut, ensuring bilateral presence aboard both capsules for emergencies.

More than just a threat?

Musk’s remark, though lacking operational detail, strikes at the heart of U.S. space infrastructure. Dragon capsules don’t just fly astronauts — they regularly haul food, gear, and scientific payloads to the ISS. Private companies like Axiom Space also charter Dragon for commercial missions, including a planned flight next week.

SpaceX’s reach within NASA is deep. It launches science missions, national security payloads, and even holds the contract to deorbit the space station when its service ends. NASA has also tapped SpaceX’s next-generation Starship rocket for upcoming moon landings. The massive booster recently completed its ninth test flight — ending in failure after it tumbled and broke apart mid-air.

High stakes in a political firestorm

Trump’s attack on Musk appears rooted in growing political friction and the billionaire’s perceived allegiances. But if Musk follows through on his threat, the consequences could reverberate far beyond a social media spat — potentially endangering critical space missions and America’s presence in orbit.

As one NASA official put it anonymously: “We can’t afford to lose Dragon. It’s not just a spacecraft — it’s the backbone of our access to space.”

The message from Musk may have been provoked, but its impact could shake the very foundation of American spaceflight.