The Trump administration is expanding its search for partners to build the $175 billion Golden Dome space defense system, reaching out to Amazon’s Project Kuiper and major defense contractors. The move comes amid growing tensions with SpaceX founder Elon Musk and a desire to reduce government reliance on private companies.
The Pentagon and the White House had been looking at alternatives to reduce reliance on SpaceX even before the Trump-Musk public spat on June 5, according to Reuters sources. SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Elon Musk responded on Twitter, reminding the public that federal procurement must be conducted based on the best quality and price.
Federal procurement regulations require the use of the best supplier at the best price. Anything else would be a violation of the law,” Musk wrote.
