FCC Sued Over Perceived Elon Musk Conflict of Interests

Veteran journalist Burleigh filed a lawsuit Monday against the FCC in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, seeking access to documents she believes could expose financial conflicts of interest involving Elon Musk. 

Specifically, the lawsuit targets Musk’s dual roles as a key figure in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and as CEO of SpaceX, which operates the Starlink satellite internet service. Burleigh’s suit, reported via an X post by @TedatPolicyband, demands a “wide range of documents” related to Musk’s interactions with the FCC and DOGE’s activities. She argues these records could reveal whether Musk has leveraged his government position to benefit SpaceX and Starlink, particularly in securing federal contracts or influencing regulatory decisions.

Nina Burleigh

The context for Burleigh’s lawsuit stems from ongoing concerns about Musk’s influence in the Trump administration. 

Since January 2025, Musk has co-led DOGE, a task force aimed at slashing federal spending and workforce, while maintaining control over SpaceX, a major federal contractor with over $10 billion in government contracts. 

Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have flagged potential conflicts, citing instances like the FAA’s testing of Starlink terminals and reported pressure to redirect a $2.4 billion Verizon contract to SpaceX. A Senate report from April 2025 estimated Musk’s companies face $2.37 billion in potential federal penalties, underscoring the stakes of his government role. Burleigh has a history of probing powerful figures and institutions, aiming to uncover whether Musk’s DOGE activities improperly funnel benefits to his private ventures.

The FCC has not publicly commented on the lawsuit, and no court rulings have been reported as of April 29, 2025. The case reflects broader tensions over transparency and accountability in the Trump administration, particularly regarding Musk’s unprecedented access to federal agencies. Burleigh’s pursuit of these documents could potentially clarify the extent of Musk’s financial entanglements, though the outcome remains uncertain pending court proceedings.