‘Unelected Senator’: US Senate to investigate Elon Musk over his influence in the Russia-Ukraine war

Elon Musk is probably the biggest tech mogul on the planet right now. However, he also happens to hold immense influence on a number of world affairs. The most recent example would be how he influenced the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The Senate Armed Services Committee is initiating an investigation into national security concerns stemming from Musk’s influence over the Russia-Ukraine war.

Musk’s influence on the Russia-Ukraine war
This is coming on the back of Musk’s decision to withhold his Starlink satellite network from aiding a Ukrainian attack on Russian warships near the Crimean coast.

According to Pentagon officials quoted in The New Yorker article, several high-ranking officials see Elon Musk as almost like an “unelected official, or an unelected senator” They’re also concerned about his views on Vladimir Putin. The report also highlighted the critical role played by SpaceX’s Starlink satellites in the Ukraine situation.

It was because of the revelations of this report that Musk’s father Errol Musk has said that there is a good chance of Elon getting assassinated.

Chairman Jack Reed announced the investigation, citing “serious national security liability issues” raised by the reports regarding Starlink’s non-availability for the Ukrainian operation. Reed emphasized that the committee is actively examining the situation from various angles.

Musk’s control of SpaceX is causing issues
SpaceX, headed by Elon Musk, has become a major US contractor, handling the launch of spy satellites for the Defense Department and operating the Starlink network. As of now, SpaceX has not provided a response to requests for comments on the matter.

Reed clarified that the committee’s investigation will encompass a broader examination of the satellite market, government contracts, and the substantial role played by Musk and his company in these areas.

Questions have been raised by Reed and other senators about why the decision regarding Starlink’s use was made by a private individual rather than a government official. Reed stressed that when it comes to US national security, no private citizen, including Elon Musk, should have the final say.

A messy situation
Democratic senators on the committee, including Jeanne Shaheen and Elizabeth Warren, have been seeking answers from the Defense Department regarding Musk’s involvement in deciding when Ukraine can access the satellite network. They plan to send a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, requesting details about Starlink and Musk’s activities in Ukraine.

Shaheen expressed her frustration, noting that she has asked for information during classified briefings but has yet to receive satisfactory answers.

It’s worth noting that at the time of Ukraine’s initial request, Elon Musk’s Starlink project did not receive any US funding for operations in Ukraine, although it is currently supported with Pentagon funds.