US President Donald Trump has rejected a New York Times report claiming that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is set to receive a classified military briefing on US contingency plans for a potential conflict with China.
The Times, citing multiple anonymous US officials, alleged that Musk would be briefed on Friday by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior military leaders, potentially exposing him to some of the Pentagon’s most sensitive strategic discussions. The Wall Street Journal echoed the claim, citing sources who suggested that Musk personally requested the briefing. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that Musk was expected to receive an unclassified overview focusing on China’s military threats.
Late Thursday, Trump took to social media to dismiss the allegations as “ridiculous” and “completely untrue,” insisting that “China will not even be mentioned or discussed.” In a separate post, Hegseth confirmed that Musk would be visiting the Pentagon but characterized claims of a classified briefing as “fake news.” He clarified that the meeting would center on innovation, efficiency, and improved production methods, rather than top-secret war planning.
The controversy highlights Musk’s unique and increasingly influential role within the US government, as his ventures span from space exploration and satellite technology to electric vehicles and artificial intelligence. If the reports were accurate, they would raise concerns over possible conflicts of interest, given Musk’s deep business ties in China.
While the specifics of Musk’s meeting remain unclear, the situation underscores the delicate balance between private enterprise and national security, especially when high-profile figures like Musk navigate both the global business landscape and strategic US defense discussions.