Musk breaks with Trump over proposed NASA science cuts

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is distancing himself from President Donald Trump’s proposed budget, which reportedly slashes NASA’s science funding by as much as 50 percent. Calling the news “troubling,” Musk responded Friday to a report by Ars Technica, marking a rare public split from an administration that has elevated him to one of its most influential advisory roles.

While Musk is legally barred from influencing NASA’s budget due to SpaceX’s contractor status, his comments add weight to growing opposition from Congress, reports Politico. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) denounced the reported cuts as “shortsighted” and “dangerous,” promising resistance on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees NASA funding.

The draft budget, not yet publicly confirmed by the White House or NASA, would reduce the agency’s total funding by 20 percent. Other science priorities across the government also face deep cuts, including the elimination of the U.S. Global Change Research Program.

Trump’s broader push to downsize the federal government has included placing Musk in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. While Musk’s DOGE has pushed aggressive staff and budget reductions across agencies, the Tesla and SpaceX founder’s comments suggest a line may be drawn at cutting foundational science programs.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, a longtime Musk associate, has sought to distance himself from Musk during Senate confirmation hearings. The White House declined to comment on Musk’s remarks.