LANSING — Two-time statewide loser John James’ recent purchase of stock in Elon Musk’s SpaceX has raised significant conflict of interest questions—especially as James sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees SpaceX and its subsidiaries. 

The Detroit Metro Times and NOTUS recently reported that James’ family bought stock in SpaceX on the day the company went public. James has a prolific history of trading stocks to enrich himself, even violating the STOCK Act in 2024 by failing to disclose more than 145 trades. 

CNBC noted this week that James oversees the regulation of the energy grid and data center development through his position on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. SpaceXAI, a SpaceX subsidiary, has been a major player in building data centers nationwide. 

“John James’ purchase of stock in Elon Musk’s company raises serious conflict of interest questions, especially as James oversees SpaceX and its data center development subsidiary,” said Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Derrick Honeyman. “James has long been out for himself as he’s tried to line his own pockets, and this stock buy raises questions on if James is using his position in Congress to profit from Musk’s AI push—no matter how it impacts Michigan families.” 

Read more below.

CNBC: SpaceX stock-purchasing by Congress members fuels conflict concerns

• James sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which plays a major regulatory role over the energy grid and the development of AI data centers. SpaceXAI, a SpaceX subsidiary, has been a major player in building data centers nationwide. 

Detroit Metro Times: John James’ family bought SpaceX stock as he oversees Elon Musk’s company 

• U.S. Rep. John James and his wife invested as much as $50,000 in Elon Musk’s SpaceX on the day the company went public, giving the Republican candidate for Michigan governor a financial stake in a business affected by decisions made by the congressional committee on which he serves.

NOTUS: SpaceX Is House Members’ Hot New Stock Pick

• James, who sits in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which is deeply influential on AI policy, reported that his wife purchased up to $50,000 in SpaceX stock on June 12, the same day the stock went public.

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