A White House official, during a private phone conversation with companies including SpaceX, Stoke Space, K2 Space, and Astra, stated that participating in the two-day event “could appear as silent approval of the EU (European Union) political positions,” three sources familiar with the conversation content, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the publication.
The sources also said that this White House official, working in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, emphasized that the decision to participate must be made by the companies themselves. However, according to them, it was possible to understand from the official’s words that participation is not desirable.
According to Politico sources, the White House official also told representatives of this sector that “France did not coordinate this summit with the United States,” accused the country of “anti-competitive behavior,” and hinted that “the event’s discussion groups were not formed to include the American perspective, which could undermine the efforts of the U.S. (space) sector.”
According to Politico, two of the sources are connected to space companies, and the third to politics.
The White House has not yet responded to AFP’s request for comment on this report.
“We want you to be there”
France’s Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Space Philippe Baptiste stated he was unsure about the accuracy of this report.
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“Let me be clear: America is not only welcome – we want you to be there,” the minister wrote on the social network X.
“U.S. companies, scientists, NASA, NOAA (U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), and the U.S. administration – all are welcome,” the minister noted, adding that he closely collaborates with Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
With Donald Trump returning to the presidency, U.S. relations with European allies have taken on new shades due to disagreements over tariffs, military deployment to an unpopular war in the Middle East, and many other issues.
The summit in Paris, co-chaired by France and Germany, is expected to host world leaders from about 120 countries who will gather to discuss challenges related to space usage.
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