Two Democratic senators have criticized Elon Musk for a federal contract with SpaceX following reports that tech billionaire Elon Musk is in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. – Called for a federal investigation into Musk's involvement.
In a letter sent on FridaySenate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed (DR.I.) and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (DN.H.) have said that Musk's reported relationships with U.S. adversaries are related to his “government.” “It casts serious doubt on its credibility as a contract and permit holder.” ”
Mr. Shaheen is a senior member of the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees.
Mr. Musk's aerospace company SpaceX has contracts worth billions of dollars with the Department of Defense and the intelligence community. Lawmakers noted that he is also the “prime contractor” for the Space Force's national security space program and has a secret $1.8 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Agency.
Technology entrepreneurs are reportedly He has U.S. security clearance as part of these federal agreements.
the letter will come later The Wall Street Journal reported Musk said last month that he has been in regular contact with Putin since the end of 2022. The two reportedly had a variety of conversations about personal matters, business and geopolitical tensions, at times involving other Russian officials, including Putin's chief of staff Sergei Kiriyenko. .
In one of those conversations, Putin allegedly asked Musk not to launch Starlink satellite internet services over Taiwan to support Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the paper said. The report cited two people who were briefed on the matter.
“Space equipment is at the heart of communications supporting the most sensitive military and intelligence operations. Russia's ambitions in the space domain pose a direct threat to U.S. national security,” the lawmakers wrote. “Communications between Russian government officials and individuals with security clearance can jeopardize the security of our country. That is why a strict reporting regime exists for such foreign contacts. is.”
The senators pointed to the Pentagon's assertion last May that Russia had launched an anti-satellite weapon into space. Russia's Ministry of Defense confirmed that the launch involving the spacecraft had taken place, but called the US claim “fake news” at the time.
Mr. Reed and Mr. Shaheen later referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ) opinion. Recently, 32 internet domains were seized Used by Russian intelligence services and their agents to steal information from Americans. Mr. Kiriyenko was one of the Russian officials allegedly involved in the effort.
Lawmakers called on the Justice Department and the Pentagon to reconsider whether Musk's ties to Russian officials merit investigation, and to ask the Pentagon to ensure that SpaceX is not involved in current or future government contracts. asked them to determine whether Musk's involvement should be excluded.
The Justice Department confirmed receipt of the letter but declined further comment, and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request from The Hill.
Musk has become one of President-elect Trump's strongest allies, spending several days after the election on the campaign trail and at his Mar-a-Lago, Florida, home.
The letter came days after President Trump nominated Musk and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswami to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, a department that aims to reduce government costs and reorganize federal agencies. It is expected that a report will be prepared regarding the
As leader of the advisory board, Musk could work with the very agencies that have contracts with SpaceX and electric car company Tesla. Ethics experts have suggested his concurrent position could create a conflict of interest.
Nevertheless, given its seemingly advisory role, the commission is likely to face hurdles in its attempts to effect change, experts told The Hill.
He noted that any major budget cuts would require Congressional approval. Although Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, they are expected to win a narrow majority in the House and are unlikely to have a majority in the Senate that would be able to withstand a filibuster.
The Hill has reached out to SpaceX for comment.
— Updated at 5:47 p.m.
