Dems seek info on Musk's possible conflicts of interest in DOD, NASA contracts

Senior House Democrats are seeking information from the Defense Department and NASA over potential conflicts of interest regarding government contracts awarded to SpaceX and CEO Elon Musk, who also leads the "Department of Government Efficiency."

The letter, signed by House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), House Science, Space and Technology Committee Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-WA) and other Democrats, notes the lawmakers’ concerns, particularly after a recent multibillion-dollar contract DOD awarded to SpaceX for launch services.

The letter also notes lawmakers' concerns over a ProPublica report citing the potential involvement of Chinese investors in SpaceX.

“The conflicts of interest surrounding Mr. Musk, SpaceX and DOGE threaten to undermine the integrity of acquisition processes at DOD and NASA,” they wrote. “The company’s lack of transparency regarding its foreign investors heightens this dilemma."

The lawmakers ask several questions be answered in writing by May 20, including what disclosures are required from SpaceX or its executives regarding potential conflicts of interest and what steps DOD and NASA take before awarding contracts.

The letter also asks DOD and NASA to review foreign ownership or investments -- especially from Chinese, Russian, North Korean of Iranian entities -- involving companies with government contracts.

“As SpaceX has become a key partner across both civil and national security space, conflicts of interest and foreign investment concerns should be swiftly and appropriately addressed,” the lawmakers wrote.

Musk, meanwhile, has publicly defended his and SpaceX’s efforts at corporate transparency.