Episode Description
The agency once projected America’s loftiest ideals. Then it ceded its ambitions to Elon Musk.
By Franklin Foer
From the September 2025 issue.
Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices