The Voice News: WASHINGTON — The White House has instructed the Defense Department and NASA to review billions of dollars in contracts with SpaceX, amid escalating tensions between President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.The order, issued earlier this month, follows a public feud in which Trump threatened to cut federal support for Musk’s companies. Now, government agencies are gathering details on SpaceX’s roughly $22 billion in federal contracts, potentially preparing for retaliatory action, the sources said.Pentagon officials are also re-evaluating SpaceX’s role in the proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system, signaling the review could affect future defense collaborations.While the White House has not confirmed any plans to cancel existing contracts, Trump hinted at broad actions on June 6 aboard Air Force One: “We’ll take a look at everything,” he told reporters. A White House spokesperson declined to comment specifically on Musk, but noted that “the Trump administration is committed to a rigorous review process for all bids and contracts.”NASA, meanwhile, said it remains focused on working with its industry partners to meet the administration’s goals in space exploration.SpaceX and the Defense Department have not publicly responded.One source close to the review said the investigation is meant to arm the administration with “political ammunition” should Trump decide to act against Musk. The legality and feasibility of terminating existing contracts remains uncertain, but the move is already raising red flags among ethics experts.”This review highlights a concerning use of political power,” said Scott Amey, general counsel at the Project on Government Oversight. “Decisions impacting national security and taxpayer money shouldn’t be influenced by personal grudges.”Elon Musk—once a key figure in the administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—has recently turned sharply critical of Trump, calling for his impeachment and linking him to a disgraced associate. Though Musk has since tried to soften his tone, the damage appears done.At stake is SpaceX’s vital role in several U.S. government operations. The company is the only American firm currently capable of transporting astronauts to and from the International Space Station through its Dragon spacecraft, under a $5 billion NASA contract. Additionally, SpaceX is constructing a top-secret satellite network for the National Reconnaissance Office, further embedding itself in U.S. intelligence infrastructure.Just last week, Musk threatened to decommission the Dragon program, adding further tension to an already volatile situation.Observers warn that politicizing such a key defense and space partner could backfire on the U.S. government itself. “SpaceX is deeply tied to national security,” said one senior defense official. “Pulling the plug over politics would be self-sabotage.”
