A leaked service agreement between the Department of Labor and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) shows a $1.3 million fee for DOGE’s work, contradicting Elon Musk’s previous claims that DOGE would cost taxpayers nothing. The agreement covers four DOGE affiliates over an …
Elon MuskDonald TrumpDepartment of LaborUS Digital Service (USDS)regulatory-capturegovernment-contractsinstitutional-transformationtrump-administration
SpaceX awarded $5.9 billion for 28 launches through 2029 as largest share of $13.5 billion National Security Space Launch Phase 3 contracts. Award occurred while congressional oversight investigation examined Musk’s $9.5 billion total DoD contracts and potential conflicts with his advisory …
SpaceXU.S. Space ForceElon MuskRep. Stephen LynchRep. Gerry Connolly+1 morespacexgovernment-contractsconflict-of-interestcongressional-oversightelon-musk+1 more
Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported DOGE actions caused 280,253 layoff plans across 27 federal agencies in first two months, making March layoffs third-highest ever recorded (275,240 total). Federal government announced 216,670 cuts in March alone, representing 80% of all U.S. layoff …
The State Department announced plans to pay Tesla $400 million for unspecified services, coming weeks after Trump systematically fired federal officials investigating Elon Musk’s companies. The payment followed the removal of FDA staffers reviewing Neuralink, EEOC leaders investigating Tesla …
State DepartmentTeslaElon MuskDonald Trumpelon-muskteslastate-departmentgovernment-contractsquid-pro-quo+1 more
Trump administration pauses the $42 billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to implement ’tech-neutral’ approach, potentially allowing Elon Musk’s Starlink to receive $10-20 billion in federal grants instead of the original $4.1 billion. Critics argue this …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskDepartment of CommerceHoward Lutnickgovernment-contractsstarlinkbroadbandfederal-grantsmusk-benefits
Multiple Pulitzer Prize-winning investigations in 2025 documented systematic kleptocratic patterns. Reuters won for “boldly reported exposé” of systematic regulatory failures enabling widespread corruption. Wall Street Journal’s national reporting prize covered Elon Musk’s …
ReutersWall Street JournalBoston GlobeOrganized Crime and Corruption Reporting ProjectElon Musk+1 morepulitzer-prizeinvestigative-journalismcorruption-exposedregulatory-capturemusk-putin+2 more
Elon Musk handed out $1 million checks to two Wisconsin voters at a rally in Green Bay, moments after the state Supreme Court declined to block his political spending. The event highlighted Musk’s significant financial intervention in a critical judicial election that could reshape …
Elon Musk awarded a $1 million payment to a Wisconsin voter days before the state Supreme Court election, part of a broader $20 million effort to influence the race. The payment to Scott Ainsworth, who supports conservative candidate Brad Schimel, prompted a legal challenge from Wisconsin’s …
SpaceX executives allowed Chinese investment through Cayman Islands shell companies, raising significant national security concerns about foreign ownership in a critical U.S. military contractor. Investor testimony revealed direct Chinese stakes in SpaceX, with a potential $50 million investment …
Elon Musk’s America PAC spent $20,488.90 on texting services to support two Republican candidates in Florida special House elections: Jimmy Patronis (1st District) and Randy Fine (6th District). The strategic spending demonstrates Musk’s continued political engagement while serving as a …
Musk’s PAC spent over $20 million in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race, where Tesla has a lawsuit challenging the state’s ‘factory store’ law. The race is the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, with potential implications for car sales, abortion rights, …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskBrad Schimelgovernment-contractsjustice-weaponizationelection-influencecorporate-lobbying
Former federal employees and watchdog groups warn that the Trump administration’s policy changes enable Elon Musk to steer lucrative contracts toward SpaceX and Starlink, potentially privatizing key government space and satellite operations
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskMikie SherrillTim Whitehousegovernment-contractsinfrastructure-privatizationtrump-administrationelon-musk
The FBI launched a specialized task force to investigate over 80 reported incidents of vandalism, arson, and violent attacks targeting Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and facilities across multiple U.S. states. FBI Director Kash Patel characterized these attacks as ‘domestic terrorism’ and …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskKash PatelFBIkleptocracyfbidomestic-terrorismpolitical-violencetesla
SpaceX continues to receive substantial federal contracts, totaling $9.5 billion from the Department of Defense in 2025, despite congressional investigations into potential conflicts of interest stemming from Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration. These contracts include a $5.9 billion …
Donald TrumpElon MuskTrump AdministrationRep. Stephen LynchRep. Gerry Connollygovernment-contractskleptocratic-capturesystematic-corruptioncorporate-capture
The Pentagon modified a planned meeting with Elon Musk after reports emerged that he was set to receive a classified briefing on potential U.S. war plans against China. Trump administration officials denied Musk would receive sensitive information, and the meeting was ultimately scaled back to a …
Donald TrumpElon MuskPete Hegsethforeign-influencenational-securitytech-government-relations
Elon Musk’s America PAC launched a controversial campaign offering Wisconsin voters $100 to sign a petition against ‘activist judges’, directly targeting the April 1 Wisconsin Supreme Court election. The campaign involves a $1 million voter outreach strategy, including $100 per …
In an unprecedented move, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick publicly recommended buying Tesla stock during a Fox News appearance on March 20, 2025, raising significant ethical concerns. Lutnick stated ‘It’ll never be this cheap again,’ directly contradicting federal ethics …
Howard LutnickElon MuskDonald TrumpTrump AdministrationGerry Connollyregulatory-capturecorporate-influenceethics-violationtrump-administration
Stephen Gardner, Amtrak’s CEO since 2022, was forced to resign by the Trump administration following public pressure from Elon Musk to privatize the national passenger rail service. Despite Amtrak achieving record ridership of 32.8 million customer trips in 2023, the administration signaled …
Donald TrumpStephen GardnerElon MuskSean Duffykleptocracyprivatizationinfrastructuretransportation
In March 2025, SpaceX’s DOGE team installed a Starlink satellite internet terminal at the White House, bypassing standard communication security protocols. Congressional Democrats raised significant national security concerns about potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities and conflicts of …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskSpaceX DOGE TeamRep. Gerry Connolly+1 moreregulatory-capturecybersecuritytechnology-infrastructurewhite-housestarlink
Russia’s Direct Investment Fund head, Kirill Dmitriev, proposed a joint Mars exploration initiative with Elon Musk, offering nuclear technology and space expertise from Roscosmos and Rosatom. This marks a significant diplomatic overture in U.S.-Russia space cooperation, part of a broader …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationKirill DmitrievElon MuskRoscosmos+1 moreforeign-influencespace-explorationinternational-cooperationtech-diplomacy
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, faces scrutiny for overstating federal contract savings and potentially using government access to benefit Musk’s business interests. The Treasury Department has launched an audit to investigate DOGE’s access to payment …
The U.S. State Department, led by Ambassador Sharon Cromer, pressured Gambian officials to approve Starlink’s business license by implying potential cuts to U.S. developmental aid. The campaign targeted Lamin Jabbi, head of the Communications Ministry, and escalated to direct appeals to …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationSharon CromerLamin JabbiElon Musk+3 moremedia-controlregulatory-captureforeign-aidstarlinkdiplomatic-pressure
Attorney General Pam Bondi threatened Tesla vandals with severe federal charges, characterizing the property destruction as potential ‘domestic terrorism’. The investigation targets coordinated attacks on Tesla vehicles and infrastructure across multiple states, with potential 20-year …
Elon Musk, operating through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), gained unprecedented access to federal systems, including Treasury and Personnel Management databases, enabling radical restructuring and potential conflicts of interest.
President Trump turned the White House South Lawn into a Tesla showroom, purchasing a red Tesla Model S while Elon Musk was present. The event raised significant ethics concerns about presidential conduct and corporate endorsement, occurring amid Tesla’s declining stock performance.
Donald TrumpElon MuskWhite House Staffkleptocracycorporate-influencewhite-houseethics-violation
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a congressional investigation into alleged attacks against Tesla vehicles and owners, characterizing them as potential ‘domestic terrorism’ orchestrated by the ‘radical Left’, coinciding with broader scrutiny of Elon Musk’s …
Mike JohnsonElon MuskMarjorie Taylor GreeneDonald Trumpkleptocracyinstitutional-capturegovernment-efficiencycongressional-investigation
President Trump turned the White House South Lawn into a Tesla showroom, personally endorsing the company and Elon Musk amid declining stock values. The event raised substantial ethical concerns about presidential influence and corporate favoritism, with Trump displaying five Tesla vehicles and …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskTeslakleptocracycorporate-captureexecutive-branchethics-violation
Elon Musk informed the Trump Administration of his intent to donate $100 million to Trump’s political groups, expanding his significant financial support following the 2024 election. Musk’s America PAC had already spent over $239 million supporting Trump’s campaign, making him the …
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper issued preliminary injunction finding DOGE likely subject to FOIA despite Trump administration claims of Executive Office exemption. Cooper cited DOGE’s “operations thus far have been marked by unusual secrecy” and “substantial …
Judge Christopher CooperDOGECitizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)Elon Muskdogefoiatransparencylegal-rulingelon-musk
The Department of Transportation placed the $24 billion Verizon FAA contract under review, with Elon Musk positioning Starlink as a potential alternative vendor. This review comes amid claims about the existing communication system’s reliability and potential performance issues in air traffic …
Wealthy Chinese investors have secretly used special-purpose vehicles to invest over $30 million in Elon Musk’s private companies, including SpaceX, xAI, and Neuralink. These investments are routed through Cayman Islands-registered entities to obscure direct ownership, raising significant …
SpaceX confirmed a loan agreement with L3Harris to provide Starlink satellite communication terminals to the FAA for infrastructure testing, specifically in Alaska. The agreement involves providing 4,000 Starlink kits free of charge for an initial evaluation period, raising potential conflict of …
The FCC granted SpaceX’s Starlink a conditional waiver to operate a high-power direct-to-cell satellite service with T-Mobile at -110.6 dBW/m²/MHz, a 770% power increase. Despite strong objections from AT&T and Verizon about potential network interference, the FCC approved the service with …
Starlink has secured contracts and deployed internet infrastructure across multiple federal agencies, including the FAA, GSA, and Customs and Border Protection. The rapid adoption has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly given Musk’s close ties to the Trump …
Challenger, Gray & Christmas data revealed 62,530 federal workers dismissed in first two months of 2025 - a 41,311% increase over 2024. Government layoffs accounted for most job cuts, driven by DOGE’s unprecedented federal workforce reduction targeting 75% cuts across 27 agencies. March …
Elon Musk’s America PAC launched a nationwide $1 million television advertisement praising President Donald Trump’s early presidency, aired following Trump’s joint address to Congress. The ad attacks the Biden administration, highlights Trump’s border and efficiency claims, …
Donald TrumpElon MuskAmerica PACpolitical-advertisingtrump-administrationelection-infrastructurecampaign-finance
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) demanded $4 million from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to fund 20 full-time positions tasked with implementing widespread federal workforce reductions. OPM was required to submit Reduction in Force (RIF) plans targeting approximately 70,000 …
Elon MuskDonald TrumpTrump AdministrationOffice of Personnel Managementgovernment-contractsworkforce-reductionregulatory-capturefederal-employment
SEC offered $50,000 buyouts to staff members while they were investigating Elon Musk, creating pressure to leave during active enforcement actions against the DOGE co-director’s companies. Lead attorney Robin Andrews resigned April 2025, calling it “heartbreaking” amid concerns …
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick overhauled the $42.5B BEAD broadband program to adopt “tech-neutral approach” allowing satellite providers like Starlink to receive $10-20B instead of expected $4.1B, while directing staff to “increase satellite usage regardless of other …
Howard LutnickDepartment of CommerceElon MuskStarlinkconflict-of-interestregulatory-capturestarlinkbroadbandmusk-benefits
The Trump administration, led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), began a comprehensive dismantling of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Key actions included firing most of its 1,700 employees, closing its Washington headquarters, and effectively …
Donald TrumpElon MuskLinda YaccarinoRussell VoughtElizabeth Warren+4 moreregulatory-capturetech-monopolyconsumer-protectionx-platformfinancial-services+1 more
Trump administration creates new category of ‘Special Government Employees’ allowing officials like Elon Musk to work simultaneously in government and private sectors, bypassing traditional ethics requirements. Musk can work up to 130 days per year while maintaining his roles at SpaceX …
Donald TrumpElon MuskDepartment of Government Efficiency (DOGE)kleptocracyregulatory-capturegovernment-efficiencyspecial-government-employees
FAA approved shipment of 4,000 Starlink terminals and ordered staff to find “tens of millions of dollars” for Starlink deal while considering canceling $2.4B Verizon contract for air traffic control communications. Creates conflict as DOGE leader Musk oversees federal spending cuts while …
Department of Justice formally dropped immigration discrimination lawsuit against SpaceX alleging the company “routinely discouraged asylees and refugees from applying” for jobs. The dismissal with prejudice came as part of broader regulatory relief for Musk’s companies under Trump …
Department of JusticeElon MuskSpaceXTeslaconflict-of-interestenforcement-droppedmusk-benefitsregulatory-capture
A lawyer at Interpublic Group received a call from X in December, suggesting the company boost client spending on Musk’s platform or risk potential government interference with their pending Omnicom merger. The call hinted at using the Trump administration’s influence to pressure the …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskLinda YaccarinoInterpublic Groupgovernment-contractscorporate-coercionmedia-manipulation
The Trump administration fired hundreds of FAA air traffic control staff while bringing in three SpaceX engineers as Special Government Employees, raising significant regulatory capture concerns. These engineers were allowed to review air traffic control systems despite potential conflicts of …
Donald TrumpElon MuskSean DuffyBrady GlantzTheodore Malaska+1 morekleptocracyregulatory-capturetech-industryfaatrump-administration
In a systematic move to dismantle transparency mechanisms, the Trump administration fired multiple members of the Office of Personnel Management’s privacy and communications teams, including those handling FOIA requests. This action effectively cut off external access to government information …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskDepartment of Government Efficiency (DOGE)regulatory-capturegovernment-transparencyfoiatrump-administrationinformation-control
President Trump orchestrated the systematic removal of federal regulators investigating Elon Musk’s companies across multiple agencies. Officials fired included FDA staffers reviewing Neuralink’s clinical trials, EEOC leaders investigating Tesla discrimination claims, the NLRB Chair who …
Donald TrumpElon MuskFDA officialsEEOC officialsNLRB Chair+2 moreelon-muskregulatory-capturecorruptionteslaspacex+2 more
In early 2025, Donald Trump successfully negotiated a series of lucrative settlements with major media and tech platforms, including a $24 million settlement with YouTube over account suspension, a $25 million settlement with Meta, a $10 million settlement with X (Twitter), a $15 million settlement …
Donald TrumpAlphabet Inc.GoogleYouTubeElon Musk+3 moremedia-controlregulatory-capturelawsuit-settlementssocial-medialegal-strategy+1 more