‘Elon Has Businesses In China, He’d Be Susceptible’: Trump Denies Access Of US War Plans To Musk

<p>US President Donald Trump on Friday said that Elon Musk should not be granted access to confidential US war plans with China, acknowledging concerns over potential conflicts of interest due to tech billionaire’s extensive business ties. He admitted Musk would be “susceptible” due to his businesses in China.</p>
<p>Trump also refuted media reports claiming that Musk, who is also leading the cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), would be given access to classified Pentagon briefing on US war strategy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Tesla and SpaceX owner holds major business interests in China, but also has significant US defence contracts. Musk’s status as an unelected adviser to Trump has sparked debate over his influence on government policy.</p>
<p>”I don&rsquo;t want to show it to anybody. You&rsquo;re talking about a potential war with China,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, AFP reported.</p>
<p>”Certainly you wouldn&rsquo;t show it to a businessman who is helping us so much… Elon has businesses in China and he would be susceptible perhaps to that,” he added.</p>
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<p>Trump made the remarks while announcing a contract for Boeing to develop the next-generation F-47 fighter jet. He described Musk as a “patriot” and praised his role in reducing federal government spending, including within the Defence Department.</p>
<p>Although Musk visited the Pentagon on Friday, Trump dismissed media reports regarding the purpose of the visit, which The New York Times said was to receive a briefing in a secure facility called “The Tank” on maritime tactics and targeting plans. According to the newspaper, the briefing was cancelled after it became public.</p>
<p>Slamming the paper, Trump said: “They really are the enemy of the people.”</p>
<p>Musk joined in criticising the report, labelling it “pure propaganda” on his social media platform X. “I&rsquo;ve been to the Pentagon many times over many years. Not my first time in the building,” he wrote.</p>
<p>US increasingly views China as its biggest rival, with tensions escalating between the two nations ever since Trump&rsquo;s inauguration as they imposed tariffs on each other&rsquo;s goods.</p>
<p>Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth commended Musk&rsquo;s “amazing visit” to the Pentagon and said, “I look forward to continuing our work together.”&nbsp;</p>
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