WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The White House earlier this month directed the Defense Department and NASA to gather details on billions of dollars in SpaceX contracts following the public blowout between President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, four people familiar with the order told Reuters.

U.S. President Donald Trump appreciates Elon Musk's apology, the White House said on Wednesday, hours after the billionaire businessman expressed regret over some of the posts he made on social media last week.

Trump’s White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavit echoed that sentiment speaking with reporters Wednesday afternoon. “The President acknowledged the statement that Elon put out this morning and he is appreciative of it. We are continuing to focus on the work of the American people,” Leavitt said.