Trump Administration Plans to Disband National Space Council, Established in 1989, Amid SpaceX Lobbying

Jan 21, 2025, 10:13 PM

President Donald Trump's administration is reportedly planning to disband the National Space Council, a key policy panel that oversees U.S. space initiatives across civil, commercial, and defense sectors. This potential decision follows lobbying efforts from SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, which has been advocating for the council's dissolution. Sources indicate that the council, which was revived in 2017, may no longer be deemed necessary by the administration, particularly as Vice President JD Vance appears reluctant to chair it. The council was originally established in 1989 during the George H.W. Bush administration and has played a significant role in shaping U.S. space policy. The anticipated move reflects a broader shift in space policy priorities under the current administration.