In the world of high-stakes government deals, especially within aerospace and defense, politics and procurement are deeply intertwined. With each change in U.S. presidential leadership comes a realignment of priorities—from funding allocations and defense doctrine to how public-private partnerships are viewed. For SpaceX, a company at the center of both innovation and influence, this reality presents a critical question: Could SpaceX government deals survive another Trump presidency?

As Elon Musk’s SpaceX secures its place in space exploration, satellite deployment, and military launch services, it operates not just in orbit—but in the orbit of political power. Platforms like Hi-Fella help companies stay agile in this environment by enabling global sourcing, resilience planning, and supplier diversification—regardless of who’s in the White House.

The Intersection of Politics and Procurement in the Aerospace Sector

Government procurement in the U.S.—particularly in aerospace—is driven by national strategy. Shifts in presidential administrations directly impact budget priorities, program sponsorships, and even the longevity of long-term vendor relationships.

Since its founding, SpaceX has won billions in contracts from:

NASA: Commercial Cargo and Crew Partnerships

NASA has been one of SpaceX’s most high-profile government partners, awarding contracts for both cargo resupply and human spaceflight missions to the International Space Station. These contracts fall under the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) and Commercial Crew Programs (CCP), both of which represent NASA’s pivot toward public-private partnerships that reduce dependence on legacy contractors like Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

SpaceX’s ability to deliver consistently—on schedule and within budget—has helped NASA justify its continued investment, even amid political transitions. The collaboration has also allowed the U.S. to eliminate reliance on Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft for human spaceflight following the 2011 retirement of the Space Shuttle program.

The broader implications go beyond cost-efficiency. NASA’s contracts with SpaceX signal a new era in aerospace policy, one where innovation is outsourced to nimble private players with the capability to meet national objectives faster. Under the Biden administration, there’s been added emphasis on mission sustainability and diversity within contractor pipelines, areas where SpaceX continues to be scrutinized and praised in equal measure.

The Pentagon: National Security Launches

SpaceX has secured billions in national security contracts from the Department of Defense, particularly for missions launched via the U.S. Space Force and Air Force. These include satellite deployments for secure communications, missile warning systems, and space-based intelligence assets. Such missions are part of the Pentagon’s increasing investment in space as a critical domain of defense—on par with land, air, and sea.

The awarding of classified launch contracts, once monopolized by the United Launch Alliance (ULA), to SpaceX marks a significant shift in military procurement philosophy. The Pentagon now prioritizes cost competition, technological agility, and redundancy. SpaceX’s reusable launch systems provide not just savings but also quicker turnaround times for successive launches—a critical need in modern defense planning.

Politically, these contracts are also tied to strategic messaging: showcasing U.S. capability in space as a deterrent to rivals like China and Russia. With growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific and renewed interest in satellite-based surveillance and communications, SpaceX has become an essential tool in Washington’s military-industrial strategy, transcending party lines.

The FCC and Civil Agencies: Broadband and Infrastructure Deployment

SpaceX’s Starlink program—its low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet constellation—has drawn the attention of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other civil agencies due to its potential to close the digital divide in rural and underserved communities across America. As part of national broadband initiatives, the FCC has awarded SpaceX millions in subsidies through programs like the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF).

While some of these awards have been reevaluated under current scrutiny over service commitments and speed benchmarks, Starlink remains a central part of the federal vision for decentralized internet access. The platform’s utility has also been demonstrated in emergency response scenarios, such as restoring connectivity during natural disasters or war zones—further strengthening its appeal to public agencies.

The political relevance of this relationship is increasing, particularly as the U.S. focuses on equitable infrastructure investment post-pandemic. Under the Biden administration’s infrastructure agenda, high-speed internet is considered a basic utility—similar to water or electricity. SpaceX, by offering satellite solutions that bypass the limitations of cable or fiber, is well-positioned to support this goal—while simultaneously navigating regulatory pressure around fairness, competition, and orbital congestion.

These contracts align with ongoing U.S. objectives: reducing reliance on Russia, maintaining space superiority, and expanding broadband access. Under the Biden administration, these goals have continued—but with additional attention to environmental impact, oversight, and industry competition.

But how would another Trump administration affect these dynamics?

SpaceX Government Deals Under Biden vs. Potential Trump 2.0 Policies

The Biden era has reinforced multilateral space cooperation, climate accountability, and regulatory oversight. SpaceX has flourished under this framework—securing over $2.9 billion for the Human Landing System and leading high-frequency Starlink launches.

However, during Trump’s presidency, the approach to space was markedly different:

• The establishment of the U.S. Space Force underscored a more militarized space doctrine.
  
• Public-private partnerships were praised and fast-tracked, often with fewer oversight constraints.
  
• Trump personally praised SpaceX’s achievements—yet was often at odds with agencies like NASA over autonomy.
  

A second Trump term could prioritize:

• Increased defense spending, benefiting military-focused launch services.
  
• Greater deregulation and potential privatization of civil missions.
  
• Decreased funding for climate-driven NASA science programs—potentially limiting collaboration opportunities.
  

Experts from institutions like the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) suggest that while SpaceX may still thrive under Trump 2.0, policy volatility and budget reallocation could reshape its contract pipeline.

Risk Analysis — Political Volatility and Contract Continuity

The aerospace sector has learned to navigate political change. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Boeing have weathered decades of transitions by:

• Maintaining bipartisan relationships
  
• Diversifying federal, commercial, and foreign revenue streams
  
• Investing in lobbying and reputation management
  

But SpaceX presents a unique case. Elon Musk’s outspoken political presence—from reinstating controversial Twitter/X accounts to openly feuding with the Biden administration—could introduce friction in an otherwise performance-driven vendor relationship.

While SpaceX remains a critical partner for U.S. missions, federal agencies may:

• Increase scrutiny in contract renewals
  
• Favor politically neutral vendors for sensitive missions
  
• Adjust evaluation criteria for upcoming awards
  

In high-risk procurement environments, companies must prepare not just for performance competition, but perception risks. A company’s brand neutrality may become a deciding factor.

Global Implications — What Foreign Buyers and Investors Need to Watch

SpaceX is no longer just a U.S. player—it’s a global infrastructure provider. From Starlink service across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, to launch agreements with European governments and satellite startups, SpaceX’s footprint is international.

A shift in U.S. leadership could raise questions for:

• Foreign satellite operators, concerned about U.S. regulatory policy shifts
  
• European space agencies, navigating autonomy while relying on SpaceX launch access
  
• ASEAN nations, assessing if U.S. political tensions will affect Starlink licensing or frequency coordination
  

Investor confidence also plays a role. Starlink’s IPO prospects are closely tied to SpaceX’s stability—and that includes the continuity of its government contracts.

In this environment, global buyers and investors alike are watching not just technical milestones, but political headlines.

Join Hi-Fella Today!

Whether you’re building satellites, managing logistics, or investing in aerospace infrastructure, one thing is clear: politics impacts procurement—and resilience requires preparation.

Hi-Fella is more than a showcase platform. We help aerospace and high-tech businesses:

• Connect with vetted global suppliers to reduce domestic exposure
  
• Diversify sourcing strategies to buffer against policy volatility
  
• Engage buyers across regions aligned with long-term trade goals
  
• Build trusted, neutral trade networks to weather geopolitical uncertainty
  

When markets shift with elections and headlines, Hi-Fella helps your business remain steady, strategic, and globally connected.

Join Hi-Fella today to future-proof your supply chain and thrive—no matter who’s in office.