The FAA has proposed fines of $633,009 against SpaceX for violating regulations in launches of its Falcon 9 rocket. Musk criticized the FAA in a series of tweets, posting the FAA is “smothering the national space program,” and accused the agency of “improper, politically-motivated behavior.”

All of a sudden, Elon Musk had moved into the realm of politics, headlining rallies, steering government appointments, shaping the agenda for the next President of the United States. For more than three years he’s been one of the world’s richest and most powerful men.

From electric cars to solar panels, Mr. Musk has built businesses in high-tech manufacturing sectors now targeted by Beijing for Chinese dominance.