Trump Administration Eyes Amazon’s Project Kuiper for $175 Billion Golden Dome Defense System as SpaceX Relations Strain

Trump administration is reportedly considering Amazon’s Project Kuiper as a potential partner for the $175 billion Golden Dome missile defence system, according to a Reuters report released Tuesday. This move comes amid growing tensions between Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, which have cast doubt on the future role of SpaceX in the ambitious satellite-based defense project.

The Golden Dome project aims to create a space-based missile defence shield designed to protect the U.S. from long-range threats using a network of low-earth orbit satellites, advanced sensors, and AI-driven interception systems. Originally, SpaceX was seen as a key player due to its Starlink and Starshield networks, which are already deeply integrated into U.S. military communication systems.

However, strained relations between Trump and Musk, especially following a public clash on June 5, have prompted the White House and Pentagon officials to reconsider their reliance on Musk’s companies. Even before that fallout, officials had quietly begun looking at other options.

“The administration is clearly looking to diversify its options,” Reuters quoted a source familiar with the matter, indicating a broader effort to avoid overdependence on SpaceX.

Amid this shift, Amazon’s Project Kuiper has emerged as a potential alternative. Although it has launched just 78 of its planned 3,000 satellites, the Pentagon’s outreach to Amazon signals a growing openness to involving commercial tech companies in national defence infrastructure. Project Kuiper, led by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is designed to provide global satellite internet coverage and could be adapted to serve military communication and tracking needs.

Despite the pivot, SpaceX is not entirely out of the picture. The company’s proven success in launching over 9,000 Starlink satellites and its extensive experience with government contracts means it may still play a role in certain aspects of the Golden Dome system—especially in launch capabilities.

Responding to the speculation, Elon Musk wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“Not tried to bid for any contract in this regard. Our strong preference would be to stay focused on taking humanity to Mars.”

This remark suggests SpaceX is currently uninterested in leading the project, though its infrastructure might still be leveraged if needed.

The situation reflects a larger transformation in U.S. defence strategy, where big tech companies like Amazon are being considered alongside traditional defence contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. This blending of Silicon Valley innovation with national defence represents a potential evolution in how the U.S. builds and secures its future military capabilities.

As the Golden Dome project continues to take shape, all eyes will be on how the Trump administration balances technology, partnerships, and politics in safeguarding America’s skies.