Musk probably doesn’t have much to fear. Legally, the Trump administration would likely enmire itself in lengthy legal disputes if it appeared to cancel contracts out of spite. Moreover, as the world’s No. 1 launch provider and maker of low-Earth orbit satellites, SpaceX may have made itself indispensable.

From space travel to military operations to the future of green energy, the U.S. has become reliant on Elon Musk's business empire. But it won't be easy for the government to end its reliance on Musk.