Democratic lawmakers from several US House committees have sent a letter to NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD), expressing concerns over a potential conflict of interest stemming from Elon Musk's dual roles as CEO of SpaceX and a special government employee overseeing reforms at both NASA and the DoD.
The letter, addressed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro, highlights Democratic lawmakers' unease over Musk's involvement in the Trump administration's sweeping federal reforms through the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE). The reforms, which Musk helped spearhead, include significant organizational changes at the DoD and NASA, such as the termination of probationary employees, the cancellation of multi-million-dollar contracts, and the elimination of entire programs.
The letter, signed by Democrats from the House Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, stated: "Mr. Musk's dual role creates an inherent conflict of interest between SpaceX's status as a large government contractor and DOGE's influence at agencies overseeing SpaceX contracts, contract bids, and regulations governing the company and its activities."
SpaceX remains a major contractor for both the DoD and NASA, continuing to bid for and secure additional contracts even after Musk began working with the Trump administration.
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