Disputed Interaction Between Trump and Musk Could Signal Potential Benefits for Boeing
irlines and space, oh my!
Boeing's new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, is steering the company back on course in its commercial airliner business, but the drama between President Trump and Elon Musk could spice things up for Boeing's space division.
In a dramatic social media spat, Trump threatened to cancel government contracts with SpaceX. Musk, in true Musk fashion, retorted by promising to decommission SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft if Trump followed through.
Though Musk later backed off, thiskerfuffle could have some benefits for Boeing in three areas: its Starliner crew capsule program, the embattled Artemis moon landing program, and United Launch Alliance, its rocket joint venture with Lockheed Martin.
While it's unlikely Trump will actually cancel contracts, there's room for the administration to redirect new business to Boeing and allies, potentially taking a step back from the support Trump once promised for Musk's Mars ambitions.
SPACE DRAGON QUEST
Since 2014, NASA has had contracts with Boeing and SpaceX to develop spacecraft for commercial astronaut missions. However, Boeing's Starliner project has seen its fair share of trouble, costing over $2 billion. Musk's threat to retire Dragon could change the game for NASA—they might feel having alternatives would be wise.
FROM MOON TO MARS
In its 2026 budget request, the Trump administration sought to overhaul the Artemis program, aiming to phase out the expensive Boeing-produced Space Launch System (SLS). But Congress and the administration might still be inclined to support SLS, which provides jobs across the country. If SLS is kept, Boeing wins—but a wildcard could be Russia's commitment to the International Space Station beyond 2028, the planned de-orbit date.
SECURITY SPACE SQUABBLE
The beef between Trump and Musk could lead the Department of Defense and other national security agencies to reconsider their dependence on SpaceX for satellite launches and mission defense systems like Golden Dome. This could mean more business for... you guessed it, Boeing.
Beneath the Bluster
While the Trump-Musk feud may not cause immediate upheaval, it could create a more favorable environment for Boeing's space division in the long run. A shift in government funding or priorities, a change in NASA contracts, or increased scrutiny on SpaceX's operations could all work in Boeing's favor. But, as with any political drama, it all depends on how things unfold.
Enrichment Insights:- Government contracts and funding: The feud between Trump and Musk could potentially lead to a shift in government contract allocation, with Boeing benefiting from increased opportunities.- Industry dynamics: The public spat could impact the perception of SpaceX and Boeing in the aerospace sector, potentially leading to increased partnerships and collaboration opportunities for Boeing.- NASA contracts: If the feud affects SpaceX's reputation or operational stability, Boeing might be seen as a more reliable partner for ongoing and future NASA projects, increasing its chances of securing contracts.
- The feud between President Trump and Elon Musk could potentially lead to a shift in government contract allocation, with Boeing benefiting from increased opportunities, such as for the Starliner crew capsule program and the United Launch Alliance.
- In the aerospace sector, the public spat between Trump and Musk could impact the perception of SpaceX and Boeing, potentially leading to increased partnerships and collaboration opportunities for Boeing.
- If SpaceX's reputation or operational stability is affected due to the feud between Trump and Musk, Boeing might be seen as a more reliable partner for ongoing and future NASA projects, increasing its chances of securing contracts for space exploration missions.
- The beef between Trump and Musk could lead national security agencies to reconsider their dependence on SpaceX for satellite launches and mission defense systems like Golden Dome, potentially meaning more business for Boeing in the defense sector.
