In a shocking move, the California Coastal Commission has rejected a proposal from Elon Musk’s SpaceX to increase its rocket launches at the Vandenberg Space Force Base, with political bias playing a key role in the decision. The Commission voted 6-4 against allowing SpaceX to raise its number of Falcon 9 launches from 36 to 50 annually, citing concerns not only over environmental issues but also Elon Musk’s outspoken political views.

The tech mogul, who has become a target of liberal elites for endorsing former President Donald Trump and championing conservative causes, was indirectly penalized for exercising his First Amendment rights. This decision reflects a dangerous trend where political activism outside the far-left agenda leads to blatant discrimination.

According to a statement from the Commission, while the primary reason given for the rejection was SpaceX’s need to apply for a coastal development permit under California state law, Musk’s political involvement was also a significant factor. Commissioner Mike Wilson even stated that Musk’s influence over global communications—particularly his ownership of X (formerly Twitter)—was concerning, especially given the billionaire’s public remarks about political retribution.

Musk, who has never shied away from challenging the status quo, quickly took to X to respond. “Incredibly inappropriate,” he posted, vowing legal action. “What I post on this platform has nothing to do with a ‘coastal commission’ in California! Filing suit against them on Monday for violating the First Amendment.”

Conservative commentator Ian Miles Cheong didn’t mince words, calling the move “lawfare” against Musk. “These petty bureaucrats are targeting Musk’s business operations due to his vocal political stances, rather than solely focusing on environmental or safety concerns,” he said. This is yet another example of the left weaponizing government agencies to go after individuals who don’t toe the progressive line.

The backlash on social media was swift, with users on X blasting the Commission’s blatant politicization of a decision that should have been based on environmental and safety concerns alone. One user highlighted the increasing brazenness of government overreach, stating, “The most surprising thing to me over these past 3-4 years is that they’re no longer trying to hide their bias and hypocrisy. 20 years ago, they were just as biased, but they at least made the effort to hide it. Now they’re so brazen about it!”

Another user pointed out how government abuse has become normalized: “The most surprising thing to me is how many people are still blind and/or supportive despite the government being overtly abusive of their power. This is the exact reason the government has stopped hiding their bias and hypocrisy. They realize there are no consequences.”

Others called out the ideological stranglehold the left has on America’s institutions, attributing decisions like this to the “indoctrination of the education system and the daily bombardment of the legacy media.” With such blatant targeting of Musk’s conservative-leaning viewpoints, it’s clear the woke agenda is willing to attack even those advancing groundbreaking technology and innovation.

Musk’s legal challenge could set the stage for a broader conversation about free speech and how regulatory bodies are being weaponized to punish those with political views that don’t align with the left’s agenda. If California’s bureaucrats can shut down rocket launches over politics, where does it end? Are we witnessing the erosion of innovation because some elites can’t tolerate diverse viewpoints?

One thing is clear: this decision is about more than just space launches. It’s a chilling reminder of the lengths the left will go to suppress dissenting voices, no matter the cost.