Washington Pressures US Space Firms to Skip Macron’s Space Summit

The Trump administration is pressing leading U.S. space companies to reconsider attending French President Emmanuel Macron’s space summit in Paris, putting executives between the White House and a growing European market.

A White House Office of Science and Technology Policy official raised the administration’s concerns during a private call Thursday with companies including SpaceX, Stoke Space, K2 Space and Astra, according to two industry representatives and a congressional staffer familiar with the discussion who spoke to Politico.

The official stopped short of issuing a formal order. But participants said the message was clear: appearing at the September 9-10 gathering could be interpreted as tacit backing for EU policy positions.

Companies Left Weighing Their Options

The intervention prompted executives to reassess whether they should participate in the two-day event at Paris’ Grand Palais.

One industry representative described the dilemma facing American companies seeking business on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Europe is an important market for U.S. space companies but not as important as America,” the representative said. “U.S. space companies are now in the awkward position of figuring out how to gracefully bow out.”

SpaceX, Stoke Space, K2 Space and Astra did not respond to requests for comment.

White House Raises French and Chinese Concerns

During the call, the OSTP official said France had not coordinated with Washington over the summit and accused the country of “anti-competitive practices,” according to people familiar with the discussion.

The official also argued that the structure of the summit’s panels did not adequately incorporate the U.S. perspective and could undermine American industry efforts.

China’s participation was cited as another source of concern.

The gathering is expected to include representatives from more than 120 countries, alongside space agencies, commercial companies, scientists and military officials.

U.S. Officials Still Heading to Paris

The administration’s position toward private companies contrasts with its own participation.

Officials from OSTP, the State Department, Commerce Department and NASA are still expected to attend.

An OSTP official said Thursday’s industry call was intended to clarify the U.S. position rather than dictate corporate decisions.

“The Trump administration continues to collaborate with allies and partners in space,” the official said.

“We look forward to productive conversations at the Space Summit on key priorities including science missions, exploration programs and space security.”

Pressure Comes Amid Wider Strains

The dispute over the Paris summit comes as Washington’s relationship with European allies faces pressure from disagreements over tariffs, U.S. troop deployments on the continent and the Iran war.

It also adds another point of tension between Trump and Macron despite a relationship that has at times remained personally cordial.

Trump recently recounted a conversation with the French president while mocking Macron over prescription drug pricing and threatening tariffs on French wine and champagne.

According to Trump’s account, he told Macron: “Because if you don't do it, I'm going to put a tariff on you of 100% on all your wines and champagnes that come into the United States.”

Europe Pushes for Greater Space Autonomy

The Paris summit comes as European governments seek to expand sovereign space capabilities and reduce dependence on the U.S.

Macron unveiled a new French space strategy in November and announced plans for an additional €4.2 billion in military space spending between 2026 and 2030.

That would take France’s total military space spending over the period to €10.2 billion.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is also expected to deliver a major speech at the summit.

France says the gathering is intended to provide a forum for discussions, announcements and workshops centered on the future direction of the space sector.