Trump Air Force nominee arranged satellite contract in manner that favored Musk's SpaceX, sources say
Source: Reuters
Exclusive-Trump Air Force nominee arranged satellite contract in manner that favored Musk's SpaceX, sources say
Joey Roulette, Marisa Taylor and Aram Roston
Fri, February 7, 2025 at 4:50 PM EST 4 min read
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's nominee as Air Force Secretary, currently a top official at the national spy satellite agency, arranged a multibillion-dollar contract solicitation in a way that favored Elon Musk's SpaceX, according to seven people familiar with the contract.
Changes to the requirements for the classified contract led the inspector general of the agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, to investigate whether the official, Troy Meink, had improperly directed the transaction toward SpaceX, two of the people told Reuters. Musk's space venture ultimately won the contract in 2021. It isn't clear whether the inspector general concluded a report or if any investigation remains underway.
Neither the allegations related to the contract, nor the inspector general's probe, have previously been reported.
A spokesperson for the NRO said by email the agency "does not have any knowledge of any allegations, protests or wrongdoing related to the procurement" referred to by Reuters. It declined to comment on "details related to contractual relationships with industry partners or specific activities."
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