WASHINGTON – Two democratic senators press the candidate of the Trump government for the Air Force Secretary, Troy Meink, about his earlier role in granting contracts to SpaceX. Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) And Tammy Duckworth (D-Oill.), Both members of the Senate-arming service committee, sent a letter to Meink to ask about his relationship with SpaceX and her Chief Executive, Elon Musk, who now holds a substantial advisory role in the administration.
In a letter of 27 February, the Senators Meink asked to clarify his earlier involvement in contract decisions with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), where he currently acts as chief director. They also asked about his plans for future contract decisions on the Pentagon when he is confirmed.
President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Meink on January 16 to lead the Air Force department, which supervises both the Air Force and the Space Force. If confirmed, Meink would be responsible for billions of dollars in defense contracts, including those with regard to military space activities, where SpaceX has become a dominant player.
The senators’ investigation comes in response to a Reuters report of 7 February that claims that Meink has structured a NRO contract of millions of dollars in a way that preferred SpaceX. The company established in Hawthorne, California is an important contractor for the intelligence service, which provides launch services, satellite communication and other critical possibilities.
Given the supervision of the Air Force on lucrative contracts for efforts in the field of national security space, it is absolutely necessary that all contractors are treated fairly and fairly, Warren and DuckWorth wrote. The senators also expressed their concern about reports that Musk Meink recommended for the best civil position of the Air Force, referring to the long -term professional tires of the nominee with SpaceX.
In addition to Leading SpaceX, Musk holds a role in the Trump government as head of the Ministry of Government Efficiency, a position aimed at streamlining the federal operations. The growing footprint of SpaceX in national security has made the company an increasingly influential power in defense contracting. It is the primary provider of launch services for the national security satellite missions of the US Space Force, and the Starlink Satellite Internet Network wins Grip in military applications.
Despite the worries of Warren and Duckworth, the defense analysts suggest that Meink’s confirmation will probably not derail.
“I see no evidence of misconduct or a conflict of interest,” said Todd Harrison, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. “Meink acted on behalf of the government in NRO, and he will act on behalf of the Ministry of Air Force in his new position. In both roles, his interest in obtaining the best value for the government is. “
Harrison added that although control over contract decisions is expected, there are no indications that Meink personally benefited from dealing with SpaceX. “It is not as if he worked for SpaceX or ever benefited from SpaceX,” he said.
Meink is expected to appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee in the coming weeks.
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