On Friday, Elon Musk visited the Pentagon, prompting questions and controversy regarding his access to sensitive government data. According to a report by The New York Times, which cited anonymous sources, Musk was expected to receive a briefing on U.S. military strategies concerning potential conflicts with China. This briefing was said to include the military’s most closely guarded secrets.
The top-secret China war plan reportedly contains 20 to 30 slides that detail how the United States might approach such a conflict. This includes indications and warnings of potential threats from China and possible targets, strategies, and timelines for action, which would then be presented to President Trump for potential decisions, according to sources familiar with the plans.
President Trump and his administration, however, dismissed these reports via social media. Trump stated that “China will not even be mentioned or discussed” during the visit. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also countered these claims, explaining on the social media platform X the meeting was to focus on innovation and increased efficiency, not any top-secret China war plans.
Elon Musk himself criticized The New York Times, accusing it of spreading propaganda and stated that leaks of false information from the Pentagon to the publication should face prosecution.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously to NPR, mentioned that the briefing was scheduled in a secure location used by the Joint Chiefs, known as “the tank.” Admiral Samuel Paparo, the head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, was expected to participate virtually from Sri Lanka. However, Pentagon officials clarified that the briefing would only include unclassified information about China.
Ultimately, it was reported that Musk did not visit “the tank” but instead met with Hegseth in his office. The apparent change in plans was not explained, leaving it unclear if it was due to the news coverage about Musk’s visit.
Musk’s extensive access to government information, in connection with his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has previously sparked controversy. His Pentagon visit raises further questions about the kind of national security information available to Musk or his DOGE team.
His significant business dealings with the Pentagon and China have raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest. SpaceX, a company led by Musk, receives significant funds from the Pentagon for military satellite launches and is also crucial for military communications via its Starlink network.
NPR’s Tom Bowman contributed to the reporting of this story.
