Musk's DOGE Oversight Raises Concerns Among FAA Regulators

Elon Musk's recent appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency has raised concerns regarding his influence over the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), particularly its Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST), which regulates his company, SpaceX. Following the explosion of SpaceX’s Starship in January and subsequent fines proposed by the FAA, Musk accused the agency of 'lawfare' and called for its reform. Current and former employees of the FAA are reportedly nervous about potential changes Musk may implement, given his public criticism of the AST's regulatory pace. Meanwhile, a group of Democratic lawmakers has expressed concern over Musk's involvement in aviation safety upgrades, questioning the expertise of his team. They argue that rapid changes in the aviation system should not be handled by individuals lacking relevant qualifications. As Musk continues to challenge regulatory bodies, the implications for safety and oversight in both space and aviation sectors remain uncertain.