Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has sounded an alarm about President Donald Trump’s suggested NASA budget cuts, his second such public criticism of the administration. Musk called the Office of Management and Budget draft proposal “troubling” for its effects on scientific research, among other areas.
Although Musk refrained from participating in formal budget discussions citing SpaceX’s role as a key NASA contractor he emphasized his strong support for scientific advancement. “I am very much in favor of science,” Musk said, adding that his hands were tied regarding NASA deliberations due to potential conflicts of interest.
This show of disapproval comes in the wake of reports that Musk might be backing away from his advisory position in the Department of Government Efficiency. His recent attacks point to increasing friction between the tech mogul and the Trump administration, particularly on matters that directly concern his companies.
Musk has also defied the administration on trade policy, often taking aim at Peter Navarro, one of Trump’s most senior trade advisers. Tesla has incurred huge financial losses as a result of blanket tariffs imposed by the administration on major trade partners, further adding to Musk’s frustrations.
Based on leaked internal memoranda, the planned budget cuts would dramatically scale back financing of climate-related research. The Oceanic and Atmospheric Research division at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (OAR) would have its financing slashed from $485 million to $171 million. That kind of cut would greatly reduce the agency’s capability to monitor climate change and its effects.
Although the proposed budget is still awaiting congressional approval, the recommended reductions have alarmed both parties. The lawmakers worry that cutting funding for science could undermine the US’s international leadership in space and environmental research, and efforts to tackle climate change.
The next few months will determine whether these cuts pass into law or are thwarted in Congress.