Trump has said the US can do without Musk, but not without him

Following the public conflict between Donald Trump and Ilon Musk, the US president said he would not rule out renegotiating major government contracts with Musk's companies, including deals worth billions of dollars, if it was "fair to the country". Trump told reporters on board Air Force One en route to New Jersey, commenting on the strained relationship with the entrepreneur. According to CNN, the president made it clear he was open to reviewing the nation's financial obligations to Musk and his business empire.

We're going to examine everything. We're talking about big money, huge subsidies. So we will really look into it - only if it's fair, both for him and for the country. The main thing is fairness," Trump said.

Asked about vital contracts with Musk's companies, including SpaceX's co-operation with NASA and the International Space Station, he expressed confidence that the US could do without them: "Of course it can manage. America can survive without anybody - except me," he said.

Despite the strained relationship, Trump confirmed that he has no plans to take away the symbolic "golden key" given to Musk earlier at a White House gala.

The two exchanged compliments then. The president also praised the work of Musk's team within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), noting that its contribution was significant and excellent," reporters recall.

Nevertheless, Trump made it clear that he has no intention of re-establishing a personal relationship with Musk. "I don't even think about him," he noted, adding that he is focused on "problems in the far reaches of the world." He concluded by wishing Musk "all the best."