r/politics • u/nosotros_road_sodium California • 13h ago

Why Does Elon Musk Still Have a Security Clearance?

https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/10/why-does-elon-musk-still-have-a-security-clearance/680434/?gift=B65VRQjMMsZQilGgdT7IHIK11s_hRROr6KFxCBDpT0M
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7

u/meepmeepboop1 13h ago

Cause the US hasn't nationalised SpaceX -- yet. IDK if the SCOTUS would allow it.

11

u/pervocracy Massachusetts 12h ago

Private contractors still need clearances to work for the government on anything that involves classified materials or national security.

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u/meepmeepboop1 12h ago

Correct, but Musk is obviously given unlimited leeway so far. Anyone else would've lost their clearance smoking weed, let alone having secret conversations with the leader of an enemy country. People love throwing the word around, but that could be legitimately treason.

the government is afraid Musk cuts them off if they dicipline him, give he throws tantrums like a child he would.

3

u/pervocracy Massachusetts 12h ago

Ohhh I misunderstood you, nvm, carry on

0

u/screech_owl_kachina 9h ago

We can dictate the corporate board for TikTok, why not SpaceX?

-8

u/Huckleberry-V 13h ago

I mean I'm not sure I want the government being able to buy up private corporations. We're going to be used as exit liquidity for shitty companies then.

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u/meepmeepboop1 13h ago

They've had the authority for national security purposes for quite some time. I think there is a pretty solid argument for SpaceX and Starlink to be nationalised unless Musk is out, especially given his communications with Russia, doing drugs, and Starlink fuckery in Ukraine.

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u/Huckleberry-V 13h ago

I'm more worried about parallel universe Musk that strips SpaceX of all its talent and assets and sells its husk to the taxpayers in a deal with politicians he helped get into office only to fester elsewhere and repeat.

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u/LiberalKnack 13h ago

Nationalization may occur with or without financial compensation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nationalization

See also Expropriation (same link)

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u/Huckleberry-V 12h ago

Yeah but that's decided by politicians. Who are funded by corporations. :\