The Pentagon is under pressure to investigate SpaceX over potential Chinese ownership, sparking concerns about national security. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim have urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to conduct an immediate review, citing media reports and court testimony suggesting Chinese investors have secretly acquired stakes in the company. This comes as SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, plays a crucial role in U.S. national security infrastructure, launching military and intelligence satellites and operating its Starlink communications network. The senators warn that any Chinese ownership could trigger U.S. rules governing foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI), potentially exposing sensitive information or technologies. The letter requests the Department of Defense to disclose the extent of Chinese ownership, assess SpaceX's FOCI mitigation requirements, and determine if foreign investments should be reviewed by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. The urgency of these questions is heightened by SpaceX's recent acquisition of xAI, which adds to the concerns about Chinese investment in the company. This development has raised questions about the potential impact on national security and the role of foreign investors in critical infrastructure.
