Trump White House just tossed a grenade into international space relations
The Trump administration has reportedly pressured US space companies to withdraw from a French-led space summit in Paris. This move has caused diplomatic friction in international space policy circles.
Why it matters
It signals a shift toward more isolationist or protectionist space diplomacy, potentially complicating international cooperation on space defense and strategy.
How unfortunate Trump White House just tossed a grenade into international space relations “Let me be clear: America is not only welcome—we want you there.”
25 France's President Emmanuel Macron (R) and US President Donald Trump shake hands during a joint press conference in Biarritz, France, on August 26, 2019./Getty Images France's President Emmanuel Macron (R) and US President Donald Trump shake hands during a joint press conference in Biarritz, France, on August 26, 2019./Getty Images Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav The normally genteel world of international space policy turned ugly this week as several prominent US space companies—including SpaceX, Blue Origin, Stoke Space, K2, and Starcloud—pulled out of a high-profile French space summit organized by the country’s president, Emmanuel Macron.
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