U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), both members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter Thursday to Dr. Troy Meink, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Air Force, seeking clarification on reports suggesting he may have favored Elon Musk’s SpaceX in a past contracting decision while serving at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
The letter raises questions about Meink’s impartiality as he awaits Senate confirmation for a role that would oversee significant Air Force contracts, including those potentially benefiting SpaceX.
The senators’ inquiry follows a Reuters report alleging that Meink, during his tenure as a senior NRO official, altered a multibillion-dollar spy satellite contract in a way that favored SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace company.
READ: Jeffrey Epstein ‘Nothing Burger’ File Release Sparks Fury, Cover-Up Claims From Conservatives
The contract, initially valued at $1.8 billion and expected to grow substantially, involved hundreds of satellites designed to provide high-resolution imagery for military and intelligence purposes.
According to the report, Meink’s last-minute changes to the contract terms in 2021 positioned SpaceX to secure the deal—worth up to $2.5 billion—while sidelining competitors. The senators noted that when L3Harris Technologies questioned the modifications, Meink allegedly warned that a formal protest could jeopardize the company’s future NRO business.
In their letter, Warren and Duckworth expressed concern over SpaceX’s dominant role in NRO contracts, describing it as a “de facto monopoly.” They highlighted the company’s vertical integration, noting that SpaceX both builds the satellites and launches them using its own rockets. “This type of vertical integration can culminate in a stagnant and wasteful anticompetitive paradigm,” they wrote, citing a 2024 Defense Department advisory board report that warned reliance on a single vendor like SpaceX could stifle innovation and inflate costs.
The senators also pointed to reports that Musk, a close ally of Trump, personally advocated for Meink’s nomination shortly after the November 2024 election. If confirmed, Meink would oversee Air Force contracting, acquisition, and technology decisions—many of which could directly affect SpaceX, a major player in military space programs. His responsibilities would include managing contracts for advanced technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles, artificial intelligence, and space initiatives, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
“These are incredibly serious allegations of misconduct and favoritism,” the senators wrote. “These reports raise concerns about your ability, if confirmed as Secretary, to treat contractors fairly and prioritize the Air Force’s mission over Elon Musk’s business interests.” They have requested Meink respond by March 6, 2025, detailing his past contracting decisions, his relationship with Musk, and how he plans to approach Pentagon contracting if confirmed.
READ: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Unveils Plan To Slash Regulations, Boost Economy
The NRO, which oversees the nation’s spy satellite programs, has stated that all its acquisitions undergo rigorous review to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards. A spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of the contract in question, and the agency’s inspector general, reportedly investigating Meink’s actions, also offered no statement. Neither SpaceX nor Musk has responded to the allegations. Meink, currently the NRO’s principal deputy director, could not be reached for comment.
The controversy emerges as Meink’s nomination heads toward Senate review, where his prior actions and ties to SpaceX are likely to face scrutiny. The outcome could shape not only his confirmation but also broader debates over competition and accountability in military contracting as the U.S. seeks to maintain its edge in space amid rivalry with nations like China and Russia.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
