United States President Donald Trump said on Monday that he intends to keep the Starlink satellite internet service at the White House, despite a recent public fallout with its billionaire CEO, Elon Musk. However, the US president indicated he might relocate his personal Tesla vehicle from the premises.
"I may move the Tesla around a little bit, but I don't think we'll be doing that with Starlink. It's a good service," Trump told reporters, referring to the high-speed broadband provider, a unit of Musk's SpaceX.
The announcement follows a weekend of escalating tensions between Trump and Musk, with the President declaring their "relationship was over" on Saturday.
Last week, a White House official had hinted that Trump might dispose of the Tesla, a red Model S he purchased from Musk in March when the two were considered close allies. The electric vehicle was reportedly still parked at the White House over the weekend.
Despite the apparent severing of ties, Trump expressed a willingness to speak with Musk, stating on Monday that he "would not have a problem if Musk called." This somewhat softer stance comes after his definitive declaration on Saturday that he had "no intention of repairing ties" with the tech mogul.
"We had a good relationship, and I just wish him well," Trump said. Musk responded with a heart emoji to a video on X showing Trump's remarks.
Last week, Trump and Musk exchanged a flurry of insults after the world's richest man denounced Trump's tax and spending bill as a "disgusting abomination."
Musk's opposition has complicated Republican efforts to pass Trump's "big, beautiful bill" in Congress, where the party holds slim majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate.
Since the dispute began last Thursday, Musk has deleted some social media posts critical of Trump, including one signaling support for impeaching the president.
Sources close to Musk said his anger has started to subside, and they believe he may want to repair his relationship with Trump.
More than half dozen former Republican lawmakers convicted of various crimes receive pardons
California Governor Gavin Newsom called decision "purposefully inflammatory"
Right-wing Senator Uribe was attacked during public event allegedly by 15-year-old gunman who is in custody
Mobs storm police post, set fire to bus and block roads after reports of arrest of Arambai Tenggol group members
X owner deletes some social media posts critical of Trump, including one signalling support for impeaching president
We want situation to be maintained, but of course we recognise fragility, particularly in backdrop of terror, says UK FM
