Senators Shaheen and Reed Seek Probe into Musk's Putin Contacts, Citing SpaceX Government Contracts

Nov 16, 2024, 12:15 AM

Two Democratic U.S. senators, Jeanne Shaheen and Jack Reed, have called for an investigation into Elon Musk's reported communication with Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin. In letters seen by Reuters on Friday, the senators urged Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Pentagon's Inspector General to examine Musk's contacts, citing national security concerns due to SpaceX's significant government contracts and Musk's security clearance. They expressed alarm that an individual who is a beneficiary of billions of dollars in government contracts and sensitive military operations has an open line to a top U.S. adversary. The senators are requesting a review of Musk's involvement in SpaceX's U.S. government contracts for potential debarment and exclusion due to his communications with Russian officials. The request follows reports detailed in a Wall Street Journal article that Musk has held multiple calls with Russian officials, which could pose risks to U.S. national security.