Left sounds alarm on Musk visit to the Pentagon
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., has voiced strong concerns about SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in Pentagon affairs. Reports indicated that Musk would be receiving secret information from top military officials regarding military contingency plans in the event of a war with China. Gillibrand, who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, stated that Musk, as an unelected billionaire with self-interests, has no place near the Pentagon.
The potential conflict of interest arises due to Musk’s financial ties to China through Tesla and SpaceX’s collaboration with the U.S. government on military space initiatives. The idea of Musk being briefed on China-related military plans raised alarms among officials, including former Obama administration spokesperson Xochitl Hinojosa. She suggested that career Pentagon officials were concerned about what information would be shared with Musk and felt compelled to disclose the meeting to the press.
However, the Trump administration swiftly denied the reports, with President Trump calling them “completely untrue.” The Pentagon also clarified that Musk’s briefing would not cover any discussions about China. Despite the pushback, doubts remain about the nature of Musk’s visit to the Pentagon and the information he may have access to.
The New York Times had initially reported that Musk’s visit would involve discussions about potential conflict scenarios with China, including targets and strategies for combat. The meeting was said to take place in a secure conference room known as the Tank, where high-level military discussions occur. The Times also mentioned Musk’s interest in reducing the Pentagon’s budget through his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which could influence his need for certain military information.
Pentagon war plans are classified for security reasons, and any unauthorized disclosure could compromise military operations. Despite the controversy surrounding Musk’s visit, some officials, like Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell and Fox News contributor Pete Hegseth, downplayed the significance of the meeting, emphasizing its focus on innovation and efficiency rather than sensitive military matters.
In response to the backlash, Musk defended his visit to the Pentagon, stating that he has visited the building numerous times in the past. He also expressed eagerness for investigations into the leak of false information to the media. The White House has yet to comment on the situation.
Overall, the concerns raised by Gillibrand and other officials highlight the delicate balance between private interests and national security in government interactions with influential figures like Elon Musk. The controversy surrounding Musk’s Pentagon visit underscores the need for transparency and accountability in such high-stakes discussions.
