DOGE cuts allow Musk to cash in with SpaceX and Starlink contracts, ex-workers warn

Elon Musk appears to be laying the groundwork to privatize some space and satellite operations now under the authority of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or steer lucrative contracts toward his SpaceX and Starlink companies, former NOAA employees say. They’re sounding the alarm as at least four other federal agencies have reportedly begun pushing new contracts toward Musk’s Starlink satellite internet company. Musk, the world’s richest man, has been tasked by President Donald Trump with drastically slashing the federal government workforce and costs. The situation raises conflict of interest questions for one of President Trump’s closest allies who backed him with millions of dollars of funding in the 2024 election. Musk boasts that his so-called “department of government efficiency” “slashes spending”, but critics say he’s using his position to steer government funding toward his companies.