President Donald Trump says war plans should not be shared with Elon Musk due to his business interests, signaling limits on the billionaire's role in the administration.
 |
| President Trump has acknowledged concerns over Elon Musk’s business ties, stating that war plans should not be shared with him due to potential conflicts of interest. Image: CH |
Washington, USA — March 26, 2025:
President Donald Trump said on Friday that Elon Musk should not have access to U.S. war plans due to his business interests, marking a rare acknowledgment that the billionaire’s role in the administration will have restrictions.
Speaking in an Oval Office meeting about the development of a new fighter jet, Trump dismissed reports that Musk would be briefed on U.S. military strategies, particularly concerning a potential conflict with China. While praising Musk as a patriot, Trump pointed to his business ventures—most notably Tesla, which is expanding operations in China—as a factor that could make him susceptible to external influence.
Trump had previously dismissed concerns about Musk’s corporate entanglements, insisting that the entrepreneur would step back from sensitive matters when necessary. However, his latest comments suggest a change in approach, signaling that the administration is drawing boundaries regarding Musk’s involvement in national security affairs.
On Friday morning, Musk visited the Pentagon to discuss cost-cutting measures in defense programs, a key focus of the Trump administration’s efforts to streamline government spending. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that Musk’s discussions centered on efficiency and innovation, but did not involve classified briefings. When asked by reporters whether he had received intelligence related to China, Musk declined to comment.
Musk has been instrumental in Trump's initiative to shrink government operations, spearheading aggressive budget cuts that have led to extensive layoffs and program reductions. While his cost-cutting measures have drawn criticism from some lawmakers and federal employees, Trump’s supporters view them as necessary reforms.
A senior defense official disclosed that the Defense Department is set to eliminate between 50,000 and 60,000 civilian jobs as part of Musk’s efficiency drive.