Donald Trump admits that Elon Musk’s business ties could be a problem after the Pentagon visit.
The US President said that plans for a possible war with China should not be shared with the Tesla CEO because of his business interests.
Supposedly, his connections could pose a conflict of interest when it comes to US military matters, said Trump.
“Elon has businesses in China," Trump said. "And he would be susceptible, perhaps, to that.”
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This is a surprising response from Trump, who usually brushes off questions about Musk’s dual roles in government and business.
The tech billionaire reportedly visited the Pentagon last Friday (21 March) morning to discuss reducing costs, part of his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth backed it up, saying Musk was there 'to talk about efficiencies, to talk about innovations.'
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While leaving the building, the world's richest man was ready to do 'anything that could be helpful.'
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So far, Musk hasn’t had any role in military operations or defence intelligence, even though the Department of Defense is expected to cut up to 60,000 civilian jobs soon. Not to mention that Musk has been at the forefront of mass layoffs and federal cuts in recent months.
Musk’s involvement in any US dealings with China would raise red flags, as the South African has economic interests in China.
In response to rumours about him being briefed on a possible conflict with China in The New York Times, Musk called it 'pure propaganda' and threatened to find those who leaked the information.
“I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information,” he wrote. “They will be found.”
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He reposted Trump's initial post that read: "The Fake News is at it again, this time the Failing New York Times. [...] How disgraceful it is that the discredited media can make up such lies. Anyway, the story is completely untrue!!!"
In another statement, Trump added: "They made that up because it’s a good story to make up. They’re very dishonest people."
Furthermore, a Pentagon spokesperson pointed reporters to a social media post by Hegseth, who insisted again that the visit had nothing to do with China.
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“I called up Pete [Hegseth] and I said: ‘Is there any truth to that?’ Absolutely not, he’s there for Doge, not there for China. And if you ever mentioned China, I think he’d walk out of the room.”
“We welcomed him today to the Pentagon to talk about [the ‘department of government efficiency’], to talk about efficiencies, to talk about innovations. It was a great informal conversation,” Hegseth replied.
The Defence Secretary suggested that the report was intended to 'undermine whatever relationship the Pentagon has' with the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX.
Still, some in the defence industry are uneasy about how much access Musk has to sensitive information, especially with his growing influence in both government and business.