Elon Musk visits Pentagon to discuss China, technology

Elon Musk visited the Pentagon on Friday to discuss “innovation, efficiencies, and smarter production”, according to officials. The visit by President Donald Trump’s chief advisor and Department of Government Efficiency head follows a New York Times report claiming Musk was to be briefed on potential plans for a ‘war against China.’The report, which cited unnamed officials, suggested the briefing would focus on China. However, both Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth swiftly denied the claims.
“China will not even be mentioned or discussed,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “How disgraceful it is that the discredited media can make up such lies. Anyway, the story is completely untrue!!!”
Hegseth echoed the sentiment on X.

We look forward to welcoming @elon musk to the Pentagon tomorrow.

But the fake news delivers again — this is NOT a meeting about “top secret China war plans.” It’s an informal meeting about innovation, efficiencies & smarter production. Gonna be great! https://t.co/sIhsUjqbG9

– Pete Hegseth (@petehegseth) March 21, 2025

Does Musk Have Security Clearance?

Despite criticism regarding potential conflicts of interest due to Musk’s dual roles as Trump’s adviser and CEO of companies like Tesla and SpaceX, the billionaire does hold top-secret security clearance.

This clearance is tied to his work with SpaceX and his advisory position in the Trump administration.

However, holding clearance does not grant Musk unlimited access to classified information. Access is determined on a strict ‘need-to-know’ basis.

Ahead of his visit, Musk addressed the issue of leaks, writing on X: “I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NOW. They will be found.”

Also read: US markets regulator issues summons to Musk over Twitter stake disclosure