An unexpected move by Donald Trump stopped a special Pentagon meeting intended to brief Elon Musk on America’s military strategies in case of a war with China. The revelation of the meeting, according to an eye-opening report from Axios, was a source of contention within the White House after news of it was leaked by The New York Times on March 20.
This disclosure placed Musk, who would have been privy to information beyond his security clearance, at the heart of a significant controversy.
Behind closed doors, Trump expressed his outrage and instructed, “What the f**k is Elon doing there? Make sure he doesn’t go,” as reported by Axios.
The Briefing That Didn’t Happen
Musk was initially scheduled to meet with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other high-ranking Pentagon officials. The briefing was to cover sensitive national security issues, specifically about the U.S. confronting China. However, apprehensions were raised within the administration due to Musk’s extensive business dealings with China through Tesla, which have long been a point of concern for officials. Musk, while being a crucial defense contractor through SpaceX, sits at a tricky intersection between U.S. military contracts and his Chinese commercial interests.
An insider told Axios, “POTUS still very much loves Elon, but there are some red lines. Elon has a lot of business in China, and he has good relations there, and this briefing just wasn’t the right thing.”
Trump’s Open Denial and Private Concerns
Following the leak from The Times, Trump publicly dismissed the news as “fake.” On Truth Social, he stated, “They said, incorrectly, that Elon Musk is going to the Pentagon tomorrow to be briefed on any potential ‘war with China.’ How ridiculous? … The story is completely untrue!!!”
Nevertheless, by the time Trump made this public dismissal, the briefing had already been scrapped on his orders.
Musk did attend the Pentagon the following day but engaged in a much-diluted meeting with Hegseth, where the topic of China was notably absent.
Trump, however, did express his apprehension regarding Musk’s connections to China when questioned by reporters: “I certainly wouldn’t want, you know — Elon has businesses in China, and he would be susceptible, perhaps, to that.”
Musk’s Response
In response to the leak, Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the situation and demand accountability: “I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NYT. They will be found.”
The backlash was swift. Reports from Reuters and Politico indicate that two top Pentagon officials, Dan Caldwell and Darin Selnick, were suspended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in connection to the leak investigation. Selnick was even reportedly removed from the premises.
This particular leak is part of a broader investigation, with Politico highlighting that the probe is also examining leaks related to U.S. military strategies involving the Panama Canal, operations in the Red Sea, and intelligence gathering related to Ukraine.
Looking Ahead
As it stands, this incident is yet another tumultuous episode in the complicated dynamic between the world’s wealthiest man and one of the most unpredictable leaders in recent history. While Trump may “still love Elon,” the affection comes with limits, particularly regarding briefing billionaires on covert military plans.
