La Maison Blanche fait pression sur les entreprises américaines pour qu’elles boycottent le sommet spatial de Macron

La Maison Blanche has pressured American space companies to avoid attending a space summit being organized in Paris next week, a move that has left the firms' leaders perplexed. On Thursday, August 27th, a senior official from the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) informed several major groups, including SpaceX, Stoke Space, K2 Space, and Astra, during a private call that participating in this French event at the Grand Palais could be interpreted as tacit support for European positions, according to two industry insiders and a cabinet member familiar with the call.

While the White House claimed the final decision rested with the companies, those same interlocutors believe the executive branch had indeed attempted to discourage any presence at the summit, which more than 120 nations are expected to attend. This tactic of intimidation comes as relations between the U.S. and its European allies are increasingly strained, with tensions over tariffs, U.S. troop presence on the continent, and disagreements on the war against Iran.

However, it may seem surprising given the relatively calm relationship between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron, who has managed to find a balance, criticizing the U.S. president occasionally without eliciting his anger. According to the sources, the OSTP official stated to the sector representatives that France had not coordinated with the U.S. regarding the summit, accusing the country of "anticompetitive practices" and hinting that the event's roundtable discussions were not designed to integrate the U.S. perspective, potentially harming American industry.

The White House, when contacted by POLITICO, referred to Philippe Baptiste, the French Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Space, who tweeted on Thursday morning, "America is not only welcome here — we want you here." American companies, scientists, and the administration were all welcomed, as it is being coordinated closely with Michael Kratsios, Trump's science and technology adviser.

The OSTP, which oversees national science and technology policy, organized this exchange to address questions about the U.S. stance on the summit, stating that no specific instructions were given. "The Trump administration continues to collaborate with its allies and partners in the space sector," the official added. "We look forward to fruitful exchanges at the Space Summit on key priorities, including scientific missions, exploration programs, and space security."

Following the exchange last Thursday, executives of the affected major groups awaited their decision on participation in the summit, according to a representative of one of those companies. "Europe is an important market for our companies, but not as important as the U.S. market," the representative added. American space companies now find themselves in a delicate position of having to politely decline the invitation.

SpaceX, Stoke Space, K2 Space, and Astra have not responded to POLITICO's requests for comment. Despite the administration's concerns about the event, OSTP officials, State Department, Commerce Department, and NASA personnel will still attend the summit. From September 9th to 10th, the summit will host national delegations, space agencies, business leaders, scientists, and military officials.

The event aims to foster frank and direct dialogue, as well as present perspectives and avenues of action through high-level discussions, announcements, and workshops, according to a French government website. The summit will be framed by a "strategic reflection on the future of space." Even though the White House's pressure puts the American space industry in a tough spot, the event is still an essential opportunity to discuss the future of global space cooperation.