Two Democratic senators, Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), are questioning the Trump administration’s nominee for Secretary of the Air Force, Troy Meink, regarding his past involvement with SpaceX contracts.
In a February 27 letter, the senators, both members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, requested clarification on Meink's past role at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), where he served as principal deputy director. They specifically inquired about his involvement in contract decisions and his plans for future contracting at the Pentagon.
Their inquiry stems from a February 7 Reuters report suggesting Meink structured a multibillion-dollar NRO contract to favor SpaceX. SpaceX provides launch services, satellite communications, and other crucial capabilities for the NRO.
The senators emphasized the importance of fair and equitable treatment for all contractors, given the Air Force’s oversight of significant national security space contracts. They also expressed concern over reports that Elon Musk, SpaceX’s CEO and a Trump administration advisor, recommended Meink for the position.
Despite these concerns, defense analyst Todd Harrison, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, believes Meink’s confirmation is unlikely to be blocked. “I don’t see any evidence of wrongdoing or a conflict of interest,” Harrison stated. “Meink was acting on behalf of the government at NRO, and he’ll be acting on behalf of the Department of the Air Force in his new position. In both roles, his interest is in getting the best value for the government.”
Harrison further noted that there’s no indication Meink personally benefited from any dealings with SpaceX. “It’s not as if he worked for SpaceX or ever profited from SpaceX,” he said. Meink is scheduled to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee soon.