The Trump administration announced on Tuesday that it is expanding efforts to build the “Golden Dome” missile defense system, actively exploring partnerships with Amazon’s Project Kuiper and major defense contractors as tensions with Elon Musk threaten SpaceX’s leadership. According to three sources speaking to Reuters, this shift highlights growing distrust of Musk’s ability to protect national security and recent public disputes with former President Trump.
This definitive break from SpaceX is surprising after it was previously considered a frontrunner for delivering critical satellite and launch capabilities under the Golden Dome. Musk’s company had teamed with Palantir and Anduril in hopes of securing the project. But amid the Trump–Musk fallout, highlighted by political discord and Musk’s perceived alignment with Democrat agendas, administrators are now taking a hard line.
The Golden Dome program, unveiled in January via executive order, seeks to establish a space-based missile shield akin to the Iron Dome. In its early phase, it could cost around $175 billion. Initial funding of $25 billion is tied to broader defense and appropriations legislation, while the Congressional Budget Office estimates a price tag ranging from $160 billion to over $500 billion over 20 years.
Proponents argue the Golden Dome represents a historic leap in defense capabilities. Drawing on SpaceX’s success with Starlink and Starshield, they assert that a layered satellite network can better detect and intercept ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles before they reach U.S. soil. Lockheed Martin and Boeing are already positioning themselves for roles, touting existing missile-tracking systems and production scalability.
Critics, including Senator Ed Markey, label the initiative “fool’s gold,” warning that the program could cost over a half-trillion dollars, open space to weaponization, and destabilize global security. Additional concerns focus on weaponizing space and spiraling competition with China and Russia.
Despite these warnings, the administration is accelerating efforts. By courting diverse defense and commercial partners, the White House aims to ensure the Golden Dome remains a flagship project of America First national defense, breaking reliance on a controversial figure and asserting control over critical military outcomes.
