NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has urged an investigation into a Wall Street Journal report alleging SpaceX founder Elon Musk has had regular communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022. The report claims Musk and Putin discussed “personal topics, business, and geopolitical tensions,” raising national security concerns due to SpaceX’s close ties with NASA and the U.S. military, which may grant Musk access to sensitive information.
“I don’t know that the story is true, but it should be investigated,” Nelson told Semafor, adding that multiple conversations between Musk and Putin would be “concerning” for NASA and the Department of Defense.
Concerns Over National Security and Starlink Use in Ukraine
The report includes allegations that Putin requested Musk not activate Starlink internet services over Taiwan, reportedly on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping. While the National Security Council and Pentagon declined to confirm Musk’s interactions, some officials see his contact with adversarial countries as a counterintelligence risk.
Musk’s provision of Starlink services in Ukraine, a critical communication tool for the military, has also sparked debate. Despite initially supporting Ukraine, Musk later sought Pentagon funding to continue services and suggested peace plans that included redoing elections in Russian-occupied areas. Musk’s ties with Trump, including his sizable campaign donations, further intensify scrutiny of his influence in U.S. geopolitics.
