Elon Musk and Donald Trump, two larger-than-life figures came together to witness SpaceX’s sixth Starship rocket test in Brownsville, Texas. On Tuesday, the Starship rocket lifted off from SpaceX’s Boca Chica test site at 5 PM local time. While the launch was successful, SpaceX opted to forego its ambitious “chopstick” technique to capture the rocket’s first-stage booster mid-air. Instead, the booster was allowed to splash into the ocean.
This decision stood in contrast to October’s test, where the Super Heavy booster was impressively caught mid-flight by massive mechanical arms attached to the launch tower. That feat, which Trump enthusiastically mentioned at his rallies, showcased Starship’s potential as a reusable and efficient vehicle for human and cargo missions beyond Earth.
Trump’s attendance at the launch reflects Musk’s growing influence within the president-elect’s orbit. Since the November 5 election, Musk has been a frequent presence at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, offering advice on key appointments and accompanying him to significant events, including meetings with Republican lawmakers and a UFC championship in New York.
Their partnership took a formal turn when Trump appointed Musk to the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency. Joined by Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, Musk is tasked with eliminating waste in federal spending, a mission Trump declared as critical to tackling the $6.5 trillion government budget.
Interestingly, the Musk-Trump alliance is a relatively recent development. The two once exchanged sharp criticisms, with Musk suggesting Trump was too old for office and Trump mocking Musk in campaign speeches
However, their relationship shifted dramatically after Trump survived an assassination attempt before the election. Musk endorsed Trump, actively supporting his campaign. Trump began praising Musk’s ingenuity, referencing SpaceX’s achievements and calling him a “really good guy” with an IQ “as high as they can get.”
As SpaceX builds momentum with the Starship program, its ties to the federal government could deepen. SpaceX already benefits from billions in government contracts, including projects aimed at Mars colonization. Musk’s ventures, from Tesla to his social media platform X, also stand to gain from reduced regulatory oversight, a possible outcome of his proximity to Trump’s administration.
Critics have questioned whether Musk’s businesses could receive preferential treatment. William Galston of the Brookings Institution commented on the dynamic, saying, “Trump has the biggest possible regard for people who break the rules and get away with it. Musk has demonstrated extraordinary accomplishment in doing that.”
The Trump-Musk partnership seems poised to grow stronger, with no signs of cooling. Musk’s presence at high-profile events and his strategic role in shaping Trump’s administration suggest a future where space exploration, technology, and politics intersect in unprecedented ways.