Trump, Hegseth say Musk’s Pentagon meeting was about DOGE
President Donald Trump made it clear that he is not interested in sharing any plans for how the U.S. would navigate a conflict with China, following a report by The New York Times that suggested SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk discussed contingency plans for a potential war with Beijing during a meeting at the Pentagon.
During a press briefing at the Oval Office, Trump stated that Musk met with Pentagon officials to discuss initiatives related to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a program that Musk is leading. Trump emphasized that while the U.S. is well-equipped to handle any potential conflict with China, he does not want to reveal those plans to anyone, especially not to a businessman like Musk who has been instrumental in helping the government cut costs and improve efficiency.
The meeting between Musk and Pentagon officials has raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, given Tesla’s business dealings in China and SpaceX’s collaboration with the Pentagon on military space capabilities. The idea of an adversary like China gaining insight into U.S. military war plans could jeopardize national security and undermine the effectiveness of U.S. forces.
However, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth clarified that Musk’s meeting at the Pentagon focused on DOGE, innovation, and ways to enhance efficiency, rather than discussing war plans or China specifically. Hegseth also announced the cancellation of over $580 million in Department of Defense contracts based on recommendations from DOGE.
Despite reports suggesting that Musk’s briefing at the Pentagon included details on how the U.S. would combat China and potential targets to strike, both Trump and Hegseth denied the existence of such plans. They emphasized that the meeting was centered around innovation and efficiency, not military strategies or war tactics.
In response to the controversy, Musk took to social media to affirm that his meeting at the Pentagon was not his first and that he has a longstanding relationship with the Department. He also expressed his intention to hold accountable those responsible for leaking false information to the media.
Overall, the incident involving Musk’s meeting at the Pentagon highlights the delicate balance between national security concerns and the need for collaboration with private sector innovators. As tensions with China continue to escalate, it is crucial for government officials to tread carefully when sharing sensitive information with outside entities.
