A group of 42 Democratic lawmakers is calling for an investigation into Elon Musk’s involvement in the bidding process for the Trump-backed “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative, citing
concerns over conflicts of interest and national security risks.
In a letter dated May 1 and addressed to the acting Inspector General of the Department of Defense, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Greg Casar led the request for a formal review. The lawmakers want scrutiny of how Musk’s company, SpaceX, emerged as a frontrunner for the high-stakes satellite-based missile detection project.
The demand follows a Reuters report indicating SpaceX, along with tech firms Palantir and Anduril, are leading contenders for the program. The report also noted Musk’s close ties to former President Donald Trump, including his advisory role and a reported $250 million donation to Trump’s reelection campaign.
“This raises serious questions about whether national security contracts are being awarded on merit or influenced by political favoritism,” the lawmakers stated.
Criminal Referral Requested If Misconduct Found
The letter urges the Inspector General to refer any findings of misconduct or favoritism to the Department of Justice for potential criminal investigation.
The lawmakers are particularly alarmed by reports that SpaceX has proposed a “subscription model” for the system, which they argue could allow the company to bypass standard Pentagon procurement processes and maintain undue control over a critical defense capability.
“A model like this could give Mr. Musk ongoing leverage over U.S. national security operations,” they wrote.
Neither SpaceX nor Musk have responded directly to the letter. In response to the original Reuters report, Musk posted on his platform X, “This is not true,” without further explanation.
The Pentagon, Palantir, and Anduril also declined to comment on the lawmakers’ concerns.
Project Still in Early Stages
Despite early interest from SpaceX and others, sources say decisions around the Golden Dome project are still preliminary. The Pentagon has reportedly received proposals from over 180 firms, including major defense contractors like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman.
Skeptics have questioned the technical feasibility of the Golden Dome system, and the project’s long-term structure and participants could still shift.
The call for a review comes just after news that the Senate’s draft budget allocates $27 billion to fund the initiative, signaling the administration’s commitment to pushing the project forward.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen has also introduced legislation to prevent companies owned by special government employees, such as Musk, from receiving federal contracts—further reflecting growing concern over Musk’s influence in national defense matters. Photo by JD Lasica from Pleasanton, CA, US, Wikimedia commons.
