A secret Pentagon briefing intended to share classified military plans with Elon Musk was abruptly canceled following a leak to The New York Times, with the order reportedly coming directly from Donald Trump. The briefing, which focused on U.S. strategy in the event of a war with China, raised concerns due to Musk’s significant financial ties to China, particularly through Tesla. Trump expressed outrage upon learning Musk was included in the meeting, questioning his presence and instructing aides to ensure he did not attend.
Originally, the meeting was set to include Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior Pentagon officials, aimed at briefing Musk on military preparedness regarding China. While Musk’s SpaceX plays a crucial role in U.S. military satellite and rocket capabilities, his business dealings in China have long been a point of contention among government insiders. A senior official noted that while Trump still admires Musk, there are clear boundaries regarding national security.
After the leak, Trump denied the story on Truth Social, calling it “completely untrue,” despite having already canceled the meeting. Musk did visit the Pentagon the following day, but the agenda was significantly altered, avoiding any discussions about war planning with Beijing. In response to the leak, Musk expressed his anger on X (formerly Twitter), calling for prosecutions of those responsible for the false information, which led to swift repercussions within the Defense Department, including the suspension of two officials involved in the leak investigation.
This incident highlights the complex relationship between Trump and Musk, revealing limits to their public admiration, especially concerning classified military matters. While Musk may have regained some favor within the administration, the trust between him and Trump appears to have diminished. With ongoing investigations into multiple leaks and significant geopolitical implications, the fallout from this canceled briefing could have lasting effects beyond the Pentagon.
