White House Urges U.S. Space Firms to Reconsider Paris Summit

The White House has privately urged major U.S. space companies, including SpaceX, to reconsider attending an international summit in Paris next week, warning that their participation could be interpreted as tacit support for European Union policy positions. The intervention, which occurred during a call with industry executives, comes as broader tensions between Washington and European allies persist over trade, defense, and other strategic issues. According to multiple sources familiar with the discussion, a White House Office of Science and Technology Policy official conveyed the administration's concerns during a call on August 28, 2026. The official reportedly told companies including SpaceX, Stoke Space, K2 Space, and Astra that attending the summit could appear as an endorsement of the EU's stance. The sources indicated the official did not issue a formal order but made the administration's position clear. The White House official also raised specific objections, stating that France had not coordinated with the United States on the event and accusing the host nation of anticompetitive practices.