Two US Democratic senators, Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim, have called on the Department of Defense (DOD) to investigate SpaceX, led by billionaire Elon Musk. The senators have raised concerns about alleged undisclosed Chinese investments in the aerospace company, citing potential national security risks. They highlighted SpaceX’s significant role as a major contractor for the DOD and referenced court records and investigative reports to support their claims.
The legislators emphasized that the reported ties between SpaceX and Chinese investors could compromise critical military, intelligence, and civilian infrastructure. They expressed worries about foreign investments from countries of concern in strategic industries conflicting with the government’s policies. The senators pointed out that SpaceX had been aware of possible Chinese investment since 2015, as revealed in unsealed court documents and investigative findings.
According to the senators, SpaceX allegedly allows Chinese investors to purchase company stakes through offshore accounts, raising further security apprehensions. They mentioned an incident where SpaceX executives reportedly canceled a multimillion-dollar stock investment from a Chinese firm following public disclosure of the deal. The senators highlighted the extensive contractual relationship between SpaceX and the DOD, including a substantial $5.9 billion launch service contract, as a basis for heightened scrutiny.
Warren and Kim underscored the potential risks associated with a scenario where a foreign nation like China could exert influence over SpaceX, a critical component of national security infrastructure. They expressed specific concerns about the possibility of Chinese investors leveraging their positions to access sensitive company information, posing a threat to US national security interests. The senators requested Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide answers by February 18 regarding Chinese influence at SpaceX and the DOD’s strategies to address security implications arising from these investments.
