Elon Musk might be the largest tech mogul on the planet proper now. Nonetheless, he additionally occurs to carry immense affect on various world affairs. The newest instance can be how he influenced the continuing Russia-Ukraine battle.
The Senate Armed Providers Committee is initiating an investigation into nationwide safety considerations stemming from Musk’s affect over the Russia-Ukraine battle.
Musk’s affect on the Russia-Ukraine battle
That is approaching the again of Musk’s resolution to withhold his Starlink satellite tv for pc community from aiding a Ukrainian assault on Russian warships close to the Crimean coast.
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In response to Pentagon officers quoted in The New Yorker article, a number of high-ranking officers see Elon Musk as virtually like an “unelected official, or an unelected senator” They’re additionally involved about his views on Vladimir Putin. The report additionally highlighted the vital function performed by SpaceX’s Starlink satellites within the Ukraine state of affairs.
It was due to the revelations of this report that Musk’s father Errol Musk has mentioned that there’s a good likelihood of Elon getting assassinated.
Chairman Jack Reed introduced the investigation, citing “serious national security liability issues” raised by the stories relating to Starlink’s non-availability for the Ukrainian operation. Reed emphasised that the committee is actively inspecting the state of affairs from numerous angles.
Musk’s management of SpaceX is inflicting points
SpaceX, headed by Elon Musk, has grow to be a serious US contractor, dealing with the launch of spy satellites for the Protection Division and working the Starlink community. As of now, SpaceX has not offered a response to requests for feedback on the matter.
Reed clarified that the committee’s investigation will embody a broader examination of the satellite tv for pc market, authorities contracts, and the substantial function performed by Musk and his firm in these areas.
Questions have been raised by Reed and different senators about why the choice relating to Starlink’s use was made by a personal particular person relatively than a authorities official. Reed harassed that relating to US nationwide safety, no personal citizen, together with Elon Musk, ought to have the ultimate say.
A messy state of affairs
Democratic senators on the committee, together with Jeanne Shaheen and Elizabeth Warren, have been in search of solutions from the Protection Division relating to Musk’s involvement in deciding when Ukraine can entry the satellite tv for pc community. They plan to ship a letter to Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin, requesting particulars about Starlink and Musk’s actions in Ukraine.
Shaheen expressed her frustration, noting that she has requested for info throughout labeled briefings however has but to obtain passable solutions.
It’s value noting that on the time of Ukraine’s preliminary request, Elon Musk’s Starlink mission didn’t obtain any US funding for operations in Ukraine, though it’s at present supported with Pentagon funds.