Introduction to the Meeting

Elon Musk, a billionaire with significant ties to the defense industry, met with top officials at the Pentagon on Friday. Initially, it was reported by major newspapers, including the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, that Musk would receive a briefing on sensitive information regarding a potential war with China. However, it appears that this briefing did not occur as initially stated.

Background on the Reports

The New York Times was the first to report on Thursday that Musk would be given a comprehensive briefing, including 20-30 slides, on what a war with China might entail. This type of operational planning is standard practice for the Pentagon to ensure preparedness and does not necessarily indicate an imminent conflict. The Wall Street Journal later confirmed the report, but both newspapers have since updated their stories, removing the original content. The initial reports can still be accessed through archive websites.

Elon Musk’s Ties to China

The news of Musk’s meeting raised eyebrows due to his extensive connections with China. As the CEO of Tesla, Musk owns a large car factory in Shanghai and has been praised by China for his stance on Taiwan, which aligns with the Chinese government’s belief that Taiwan should not be independent. Musk has also appeared in propaganda videos produced by Chinese state media, celebrating the workers at his factory.

Conflict of Interest

Another reason Musk’s potential briefing on war plans with China would be unusual is his role as a defense contractor. SpaceX, Musk’s company, conducts significant business with agencies like the National Reconnaissance Office and the Air Force. Access to information about a potential war with China would give his companies a substantial competitive advantage. Musk’s empire is heavily reliant on government contracts, with over $38 billion in funding, which is why his unrestricted access to federal agencies is concerning.

Political Influence

Musk donated a significant amount to President Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, which has resulted in unprecedented access to the government. Musk now leads a group called DOGE, aiming to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget without congressional oversight. His influence has led to the closure of USAID and significant reductions in scientific research grants, with more cuts promised.

The Meeting and Aftermath

The U.S. military’s media distribution service, DVIDS, referred to Musk as a "visitor" after his meeting at the Pentagon. The Wall Street Journal reported that the briefing Musk received was on unclassified matters, and while China was discussed, it did not involve top-secret war plans. President Trump denied that Musk would receive a briefing on war plans, calling the reports "fake news" and stating that China would not be mentioned.

Reactions and Threats

Musk responded to the controversy on the social media platform X, suggesting that anyone who leaked information about his meeting should face prosecution. He tweeted, "The New York Times is pure propaganda. Also, I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NYT. They will be found." This kind of threat from Musk, given his current influence and power, is particularly ominous.

Conclusion

Musk’s role and influence in the government, coupled with his ties to China and his position as a defense contractor, raise significant concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential for misuse of sensitive information. As someone who has essentially become a co-president with Trump, Musk’s actions and statements carry considerable weight, and his threats should not be taken lightly. The fact that he can make decisions that will have long-lasting impacts across the government, with little to no oversight, is a stark reminder of the current state of affairs.