Democratic lawmakers call for review of Musk's role in Golden Dome missile defense shield
Source: Reuters
May 1, 2025 3:31 PM EDT Updated 12 hours ago
WASHINGTON, May 1 (Reuters) - A group of 42 Democratic lawmakers has called for a review of Elon Musk's role in the bidding process for the "Golden Dome" missile defense shield, a project championed by President Donald Trump. In a letter dated May 1 and sent to the acting US Defense Department Inspector General seen by Reuters, the group, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren and congressman Greg Casar, requested a probe into the origins of the procurement process, citing concerns over the involvement of Elon Musk's SpaceX.
The lawmakers' move comes after a Reuters report revealed that SpaceX, along with Palantir (PLTR.O) and Anduril, had emerged as frontrunners to win a crucial part of the Golden Dome project, which aims to build a network of satellites to detect and track incoming missiles to the U.S. The report also highlighted the close ties between Musk and the Trump administration, with Musk serving as a special adviser to the president and donating over $250 million to help elect him.
"This is a deeply troubling report," the lawmakers wrote in their letter. "All of this raises concerns about whether defense contracts to build a Golden Dome are an effective way to protect Americans or are meant to enrich Mr. Musk and other elites." If the inspector general finds Musk has played a role in his company gaining an edge in the process, the lawmakers requested the inspector general refer any findings to the Justice Department for a criminal investigation.
The letter does not guarantee a review will be initiated. The Pentagon's Inspector General's office said they had received the letter and were reviewing it. The group of lawmakers also expressed concerns over the potential for a "subscription service" proposed by SpaceX, which could allow the company to skirt traditional Pentagon procurement protocols and limit government control over the system's development and pricing. "A subscription model would also give Mr. Musk unacceptable ongoing leverage over United States national security," they wrote.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/democratic-lawmakers-call-review-musks-role-golden-dome-2025-05-01/
Link to LETTER (PDF) - https://www.warren.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/letter_from_senator_warren_repcasartodepartmentofdefenseinspectorgeneralongoldendomeinvestigation.pdf
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