Future
Is Elon Musk a National Security Risk?
Federal agencies are reviewing whether the tech mogul and ally of Donald Trump complied with disclosure rules meant to protect states secrets.
Elon Musk’s close ties to President-elect Donald Trump take on a new focus as the tech mogul faces heightened national security scrutiny.Credit…Pool photo by Brandon Bell
“A wild card”
Even before becoming “first buddy” to President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk wielded significant influence in government, thanks to SpaceX.
But The Times reports that the tech mogul is facing scrutiny over his activities at the rocket company — all of which may dissipate once Trump takes office.
Federal agencies are reviewing Musk’s failure to comply with security clearance rules, The Times reports. Holders of top national security credentials must submit information about foreign travel and aspects of their personal lives, including drug use, to ensure they aren’t at risk of disclosing state secrets.
But Musk and SpaceX haven’t fully complied with that requirement since at least 2021, The Times reports. Concerns about that failure — both within government and within SpaceX — have prompted multiple reviews, including by the Defense Department’s Office of Inspector General. (No federal agency has accused him of disclosing classified material.)
Why people are worried: Musk has a penchant for sharing a lot on his X social network, including about diplomatic meetings. He has held several meetings or discussions with representatives of foreign governments, reportedly including with Iranian officials and President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
Musk has also spoken openly about his use of ketamine, which he says he has a prescription for; he hadn’t disclosed that to the government.
