Trump and Musk Discuss Government Efficiency, SpaceX Missions, and Media Controversies in Exclusive Interview

On February 14 and 18, US President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk sat down for an exclusive interview with Fox News to discuss a range of topics, from government efficiency to upcoming space missions. The interview, which aired across several platforms, shed light on their close working relationship and addressed media rumors that have sparked public intrigue.

Response to Media Rumors

One of the main topics discussed was the ongoing media speculation regarding the relationship between Trump and Musk. Trump expressed his frustration with media outlets attempting to sow discord between the two, citing claims like "President Musk" and false reports about him relinquishing presidential power. "If the media were any good at this, they wouldn't have allowed me to become president," Trump remarked, dismissing these rumors as baseless.

Musk, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump, agreed, nodding in affirmation as Trump spoke. He mentioned receiving a call from the president about these media attacks, with Trump acknowledging the issue and reassuring Musk. Both men reiterated their trust in each other and dismissed the claims as the work of “fake news.”

Government Efficiency and Federal Agencies

The conversation then shifted to the topic of government efficiency, a subject that has long been a priority for Trump. The president reaffirmed his complete trust in Musk, whom he sees as a valuable ally in exposing waste and inefficiency in federal agencies. Musk, for his part, argued that the US doesn't need as many federal institutions as it currently has, suggesting that some of them should be entirely eliminated. "If you only remove part of the weeds, the weeds will just grow back," Musk said, emphasizing the need for radical cuts to reduce bureaucracy.

SpaceX’s Upcoming Missions

In terms of SpaceX's activities, the two discussed ongoing projects, particularly the plans for returning two American astronauts—Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore—from space. Musk confirmed that a mission is planned within the next four weeks to bring the astronauts back to Earth, stressing that SpaceX is approaching the operation with extreme caution.

Additionally, Trump expressed interest in SpaceX's Starship project, particularly the recent issues with booster recovery. Musk explained that the rocket booster had not landed as planned due to safety concerns, particularly regarding the launch tower. "The conditions have to be perfect for the booster to land on land," Musk explained, stating that the booster was instead directed to land in the ocean to avoid damage.

The X Settlement and Trump’s Lawsuit

The interview also touched on recent news regarding Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). Musk confirmed that the platform had agreed to pay $10 million to settle a lawsuit initiated by Trump over content moderation issues. The president commented on the settlement, noting that Musk had received a significant discount. "I love the president, he’s a great guy," Musk said, emphasizing his respect for Trump despite the legal matter.

Looking Forward

With SpaceX’s ambitious plans and Trump’s push for government reform, the interview highlighted the ongoing collaboration between these two influential figures. As they prepare for upcoming space missions and tackle inefficiencies in the federal government, their partnership remains a powerful force in shaping the future of space exploration and American governance.