Elon Musk's Pentagon Meeting Fuels Debate Over Influence and Transparency

Trump administration denies Musk received classified China war plans briefing, as questions about conflicts of interest and leaks persist.

Elon Musk met with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on March 21, with officials stating the focus was on innovation and budget efficiencies.
Reports from The New York Times and other outlets suggested Musk might be briefed on top-secret U.S. military plans for a potential war with China, a claim denied by Trump, Hegseth, and Musk.
The meeting took place in Hegseth’s office, not a secure location typically used for classified briefings, reinforcing official denials of sensitive discussions.
Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency and has business ties in China, dismissed the reports as 'propaganda' and threatened legal action against Pentagon leakers.
The controversy has intensified scrutiny over Musk’s dual role as a government advisor and CEO of companies with significant U.S. government contracts and Chinese business interests.