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How Musk gained so much power over U.S. security interests

Season 2026 Episode 215 | 8m 24s

According to reports, Elon Musk ordered the slowdown of Ukraine's Starshield defense systems. Nick Schifrin reports, and Amna Nawaz discusses how the world's richest man gained such power over U.S. security interests with Charles Galbreath, a retired Air Force colonel who focused on space operations during his 30-year military career and is now at the Air Force Association’s Mitchell Institute.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
October 21, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Former GOP governor David Beasley says Trump's 'demeaning' rhetoric pushed him from party
News Wrap: Cybersecurity threat prompts scramble to protect websites around the world
A look at the major state ballot measures voters will decide in the midterms
How Idaho's abortion ban reshaped reproductive care and fueled a fight for change
Investigation finds hundreds of U.S. citizens detained by ICE
American imprisoned by Russia released as Witkoff meets and praises Putin
Democratic and GOP strategists on the deeply personal attack ad in Ohio
Ukrainian refugees face growing hostility in Poland
Inside Philadelphia's preparations for Election Day