FAA Staff Issued Warning as DOGE Enforcer Steps In

Musk's Influence Reaches the FAA

Elon Musk's grip on federal agencies tightened this week as one of his key operatives, Ted Malaska, made a bold entrance into the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), The Daily Beast reported.
Malaska, a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) volunteer, wasted no time establishing dominance, reportedly warning FAA employees that anyone impeding his work would be reported directly to Musk and could risk their jobs. Malaska's dual role as a top SpaceX engineer and a government contractor raises serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest as he spearheads Musk's vision within the agency.
Here's everything to know about DOGE's newest shakeup… 
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FAA's Starlink Takeover — At Musk's Command

Malaska's primary objective at the FAA is reportedly rolling out SpaceX's Starlink satellite technology to modernize the national airspace system. 
According to Bloomberg, this initiative was a "directive" from Musk himself. The first Starlink terminal was activated at Birchwood Airport in Alaska last week, which Malaska claims will enhance "weather information distribution to pilots." 
However, FAA staffers are reportedly uneasy about the aggressive timeline, as Malaska is pushing for nationwide Starlink deployment by the summer of 2026 — far faster than the agency's typical pace for implementing major technological changes.

Ethical Concerns and Potential Conflicts of Interest

Malaska's arrival has sparked concerns among ethics experts, given SpaceX's frequent dealings with the FAA including investigations into rocket mishaps. The FAA is now being pressured to integrate Starlink technology while simultaneously being responsible for overseeing SpaceX's safety compliance. 
Critics also argue this setup creates a dangerous conflict of interest, with Musk essentially regulating his own company through DOGE's growing influence. While Malaska insists on his "technical integrity," watchdogs worry that his presence could allow SpaceX to bypass regulatory scrutiny.

The Verizon Contract in Jeopardy

The FAA's telecommunications network has long been in need of an upgrade, leading the agency to award a $2.4 billion contract to Verizon in 2023. However, that contract may be in Musk's crosshairs. 
In a post on X, Musk criticized the current Verizon system, calling it a safety risk for air travelers. Musk is now reportedly pushing to scrap the Verizon deal entirely and replace it with a Starlink-managed network. 
The future of Verizon's FAA contract remains uncertain as "talks are fluid," but insiders say Verizon is still requesting its $5 million monthly payment to continue working while the situation unfolds.

Social Media and Industry Reactions

Malaska hasn't shied away from criticism, addressing skepticism about his work on X. 
"I love how none (sic) technical media is questioning my work at the @FAANews," he wrote, challenging detractors to question his integrity. 
Meanwhile, industry observers are raising red flags about the rushed implementation of Starlink at the FAA. "This is a blatant power grab," one aviation analyst posted on the same platform. "Musk's companies should be regulated by the FAA, not dictating its policies." 
Another user pointed out the irony of Musk criticizing government inefficiency while inserting his own companies into taxpayer-funded projects: "DOGE is supposed to cut government bloat, but instead, it's just SpaceX getting more contracts."