President Donald Trump’s administration shot down a report by The New York Times that Elon Musk visited the Pentagon Friday for a briefing on a potential war with China.
The NYT reported Thursday that the purpose of Musk’s visit was related to the “U.S. military’s plan for any war that might break out with China,” according to two anonymous “U.S. officials.” However, Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell and other administration officials pushed back on the report, calling it “completely fake,” with Hegseth clarifying that the visit was instead an “informal meeting about innovation, efficiencies & smarter production.”
“Their FAKE concept for this story is that because Elon does some business in China, that he is very conflicted and would immediately go to top Chinese officials and ‘spill the beans,’” Trump said on Truth Social Friday. “RATINGS CHALLENGED FAKE NEWS CNN immediately picked up on this absolutely ridiculous and false story, which is probably libelous, and went heavy with it.”
This is 100% Fake News. Just brazenly & maliciously wrong.
Elon Musk is a patriot.
We are proud to have him at the Pentagon. pic.twitter.com/LiyXrl8gCi
— Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellATSD) March 21, 2025
We look forward to welcoming @elonmusk 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
The Wall Street Journal also reported on the topic, citing “one person familiar,” and echoing the NYT’s coverage. The alleged meeting would take place in the “Tank,” a secure briefing room reserved usually for top military officials, according to the NYT.
The NYT also reported the meeting was over top secret information, with Musk having clearance to receive a briefing should it be necessary.
“The New York Times is pure propaganda,” Musk said on X Friday in response to the report. “Also, I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NYT. They will be found.”
The NYT later updated its original piece to include several administration officials’ comments calling the reporting “fake.”
China has ramped up its aggression against Taiwan, the U.S.’ primary partner in East Asia, conducting its largest naval drill since the 1990s in December 2024 which has prompted speculation of growing tension in the region.
Elon Musk’s involvement with Pentagon affairs has largely been with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which recently cut over $580 million worth of contracts, Hegseth announced Thursday.
The NYT did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundations’ request for comment.
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