Special Poll
President Donald Trump firmly dismissed reports that billionaire Elon Musk would be given access to classified Pentagon plans for a potential conflict with China. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump made it clear that sensitive military strategies would not be shared with anyone outside the appropriate defense channels, especially when national security is at stake.
He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, saying, “You’re talking about a potential war with China. I don’t want anybody seeing that.” While expressing appreciation for Musk’s contributions to government innovation and defense-related technology, Trump also acknowledged the potential risks tied to Musk’s global business ties. “Elon has businesses in China,” he noted, “and he could be vulnerable to influence because of that.”
Musk had visited the Pentagon earlier that day for a private meeting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. According to both Trump and Hegseth, the conversation focused entirely on innovation and streamlining government operations. Musk is currently leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a special task force charged with cutting federal spending and improving operational effectiveness across agencies.
Hegseth praised Musk’s involvement, noting that many of his technologies are vital to both military and government operations. “Elon Musk provides a lot of capabilities our military relies on. We’re grateful for that,” Hegseth said. He described the Pentagon meeting as an informal but productive discussion about innovation and efficiency, not military strategy.
The Trump administration has strongly pushed back against reports from major media outlets suggesting Musk was to be briefed on U.S. war planning. Both the New York Times and Wall Street Journal had cited unnamed sources claiming such a briefing was in the works. Administration officials have called these claims entirely false.
In his remarks, Trump reaffirmed the U.S. military’s readiness and strength, especially in the face of rising global tensions. However, he also stressed the importance of discretion and national security. With geopolitical concerns in the Indo-Pacific region intensifying, Trump has made it clear that classified military operations will remain tightly guarded, even from high-profile allies in the private sector.
This approach reflects the administration’s broader effort to maintain U.S. military superiority while also prioritizing fiscal responsibility and cutting government waste through partnerships like DOGE.