Musk, Luckey, Gingrich to lead Pentagon war study Project Meridian

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that SpaceX chief Elon Musk, Anduril Industries founder Palmer Luckey, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will head a new Pentagon initiative called Project Meridian. The project focuses on the future of warfare. This is Musk's first official advisory role with the Trump administration since his public dispute with President Trump last year following his departure from DOGE; the two have since reconciled.

Hegseth introduced Meridian during his second address at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. The Secretary stated that the project leverages a unique American advantage in its innovators, senior leaders, and technologists to forecast solutions for future conflicts. Hegseth clarified that Meridian is not intended to produce new policy documents; instead, it will examine the domains the military must conquer and the capabilities it must master. The group's work will focus on discovering, developing, and fielding weapons and systems for future generations.

Pentagon technology chief Emil Michael will help facilitate the project. Speaking to reporters in December regarding America's industrial base, Michael said he would like to see five more Andurils, Palantirs, and SpaceXs flourish.

Musk's and Luckey's respective companies hold significant Pentagon contracts. SpaceX serves as the national-security launch backbone for the United States, while Anduril furnishes jammers, interceptors, rocket motors, and robo-wingmen.

The Meridian leadership was expected to meet for the first time on Wednesday. Hegseth said final findings are expected in 120 days. A public rollout is planned alongside a classified report.