In January 2017, Blue Origin launched its New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral, marking a significant step in its competition with SpaceX for U.S. spy satellite contracts. During the Trump administration, billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos gained substantial influence over U.S. intelligence operations, as they secured major contracts and formed alliances with other tech firms to disrupt traditional defense contractors. Critics argue that this shift towards tech entrepreneurs threatens to replace one oligarchy with another, as they simplify complex defense issues in pursuit of profit and power.
