A recent report by The New York Times claims that the US Department of Defense is set to brief billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk on potential war plans involving China. However, both the Pentagon and former President Donald Trump have strongly denied the report, calling it false and misleading.
According to the NYT, Musk—who is the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla and a key Pentagon contractor—will meet with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and top US military officials on Friday. The briefing is said to include details on strategic targets and possible conflict scenarios in a war with China.
The report also highlights Musk’s growing influence within the US government, mentioning his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his extensive financial interests in China.
However, Trump swiftly dismissed the claims, calling them “completely untrue.” In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, “The Fake News is at it again, this time the Failing New York Times. They said, incorrectly, that Elon Musk is going to the Pentagon tomorrow to be briefed on any potential ‘war with China.’ How ridiculous? China will not even be mentioned or discussed. How disgraceful it is that the discredited media can make up such lies.”
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell also refuted the NYT report, stating, “The Defense Department is excited to welcome Elon Musk to the Pentagon on Friday. He was invited by Secretary Hegseth and is just visiting.”
Meanwhile, CNN reported that Musk’s Pentagon visit coincides with discussions about military budget cuts under the Trump administration’s push to downsize the federal government. Musk, whose SpaceX has secured lucrative defense contracts—including a $733 million deal with the US Space Force in October 2024—has played a key role in military technology.
Following the controversy, Tesla’s stock dropped 5.6% on Thursday, continuing its downward trend with a 45% decline from its December peak. The situation remains fluid as speculation continues over Musk’s role in US defense policy.
