Two Democratic senators want answers about who really owns pieces of Elon Musk's SpaceX, and they're not being subtle about it.

National Security Alarm Bells

On Thursday, Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.) fired off a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding an immediate investigation into SpaceX. The concern? Reports and court testimony suggesting that investors with Chinese connections may have quietly scooped up SpaceX shares using shell companies in the Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands.

Any Chinese ownership stake in SpaceX represents "a national security threat," the senators wrote, warning it could compromise sensitive military, intelligence, and civilian infrastructure. That's not hyperbole when you consider what SpaceX actually does.

Why SpaceX Matters to National Defense

SpaceX isn't just sending rockets into space for fun. The company has become essential to U.S. national security operations, launching military and intelligence satellites and running the Starlink satellite communications network. Starlink is actively used by the Pentagon and has proven critical in supporting Ukraine's defense against Russia.

Given that level of integration with defense operations, foreign ownership could trigger what's known as FOCI rules—regulations governing foreign ownership, control, or influence designed to protect sensitive technologies and classified information.

What the Lawmakers Want

Warren and Kim aren't just raising concerns; they're demanding specifics. They want the Defense Department to disclose the extent of any Chinese ownership in SpaceX and determine whether FOCI mitigation requirements should apply. They also asked whether the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. should review these investments. The deadline for responses? February 20.

The senators also pointed to SpaceX's acquisition of Musk's artificial intelligence company xAI, arguing the deal amplifies concerns about potential foreign access to advanced technologies.

SpaceX did not immediately respond to requests for comment.