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Trump-Musk Clash Triggers Scrutiny Fears Across Tesla, SpaceX, and Other Ventures

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Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to review subsidies awarded to Elon Musk’s companies has sparked concerns of heightened regulatory scrutiny across the billionaire’s business empire, which spans automotive, space, energy, brain tech, and social media. The threat of government intervention may disrupt operations or stall innovation in several of Musk’s ventures. Here’s a breakdown of the U.S. agencies involved:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Tesla is under continued investigation by the NHTSA, especially concerning its advanced driver assistance systems. The agency is reviewing incidents involving Tesla’s robotaxi service in Austin, including videos showing vehicles misbehaving in traffic and in adverse weather. These inquiries extend broader probes into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, particularly related to safety during poor visibility.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The FCC has begun reviewing its spectrum sharing policies, which could affect SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service. SpaceX is seeking new spectrum access to expand satellite coverage, but decades-old limits on signal power remain a barrier. The review could influence future Starlink deployments and broadband expansion goals.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Neuralink, Musk’s brain implant startup, falls under the FDA’s oversight. After an initial rejection due to safety concerns, the FDA granted clearance for clinical trials, which are currently underway in the U.S. Neuralink is also exploring trials in Canada. The FDA will decide if Neuralink’s implants can eventually be marketed.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA monitors SpaceX’s wastewater output at its Texas launch site and coordinates with other federal agencies under the National Environmental Policy Act. SpaceX’s rocket activities must pass environmental impact assessments to ensure compliance with land, water, and wildlife protection standards.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
In September, the FAA proposed a $633,000 fine against SpaceX for violating licensing requirements before two 2023 launches. The FAA continues to investigate the company’s safety compliance, especially after repeated rocket explosions. Additional restrictions may follow.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Musk is facing litigation from the SEC related to his 2022 acquisition of Twitter (now X). The agency has also probed Neuralink’s compliance and transparency, according to a December 2023 letter from Musk’s attorney, posted on X.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC oversees data and privacy protections at Musk’s social media platform, X. The agency is also investigating antitrust allegations, reviewing whether media watchdog groups coordinated an advertiser boycott that Musk claims is illegal.

Regulatory Risk Outlook
Trump’s renewed focus on Musk’s government support could pave the way for increased enforcement or changes to existing subsidies, affecting growth trajectories across his enterprises. With Musk already under the microscope at multiple agencies, the political escalation adds another layer of complexity.

White House Reviews SpaceX Contracts Amid Trump-Musk Feud

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The White House has directed the Defense Department and NASA to review billions of dollars worth of contracts held by SpaceX following a public conflict between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, sources told Reuters. This review aims to prepare the administration for potential retaliatory actions against Musk’s companies.

Pentagon officials are also weighing whether to reduce SpaceX’s involvement in a new U.S. missile defense system. Currently, SpaceX holds roughly $22 billion in federal contracts, but it is unclear if any cancellations are imminent.

The review stems from Trump’s recent threat to terminate business and subsidies for Musk ventures during their spat. When asked about Musk’s contracts, a White House spokesperson cited a commitment to a rigorous review process for all bids and contracts. NASA confirmed it will continue working with industry partners to meet presidential space objectives.

Sources describe the contract scrutiny as a political move intended to give the administration flexibility should Trump decide to act. Musk, who formerly served as a senior advisor to Trump and led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been at odds with the president after publicly calling for his impeachment and linking him to a convicted sex offender.

Experts warn that politicizing such contracts risks undermining national security and public interest. Scott Amey, from the Project on Government Oversight, noted the irony of Musk’s contracts undergoing political scrutiny similar to what his DOGE team imposed on others. He emphasized that contract decisions should prioritize public and security interests over personal disputes.

SpaceX plays a vital role in U.S. aerospace and defense, launching satellites and cargo, and managing NASA’s Dragon spacecraft—the sole U.S. vehicle currently capable of ferrying astronauts to the International Space Station. The company also builds a classified network of spy satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office, strengthening its ties with U.S. defense and intelligence agencies.

Despite recent tensions, SpaceX remains a critical partner to the government, highlighting the complex balance between politics and strategic partnerships in national security.

Trump to Keep Starlink at White House Despite Break with Elon Musk

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President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he plans to continue using Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service at the White House, despite declaring over the weekend that his personal relationship with Musk was over. However, Trump indicated he might move his Tesla vehicle off-site.

“I may move the Tesla around a little bit, but I don’t think we’ll be doing that with Starlink. It’s a good service,” Trump told reporters.

Trump purchased a red Tesla Model S earlier this year when he was still an ally of Musk. Following their recent public feud — sparked by Musk’s harsh criticism of Trump’s tax and spending bill — there were reports the president might get rid of the Tesla, which remained parked at the White House over the weekend.

Despite the spat, Trump said he would have no problem if Musk reached out. “We had a good relationship, and I just wish him well,” he added. Musk responded on X with a heart emoji to a video of Trump’s comments.

Their public clash, beginning last Thursday, followed Musk’s labeling of Trump’s bill as a “disgusting abomination,” complicating Republican efforts to pass the legislation with narrow majorities in Congress.

Sources close to Musk indicate his anger may be waning, and there could be a possibility of repairing ties.