 "According to reports, Musk and SpaceX have allegedly neglected requirements to provide details about his travel and interactions with foreign officials, raising concerns about potential risks to US national security. Image Credit: Reuters, Reuters")
Elon Musk and his aerospace company SpaceX are under federal investigation for allegedly failing to comply with national security reporting protocols. Three separate reviews have been launched by the US Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General, the Air Force, and the Pentagon’s Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security.
The investigations centre around Musk’s undisclosed meetings with foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as his broader compliance with security procedures.
According to reports, Musk and SpaceX have allegedly neglected requirements to provide details about his travel and interactions with foreign officials, raising concerns about potential risks to US national security. The scrutiny reflects growing unease over Musk’s influence, particularly given his access to classified information related to advanced military technologies.
Security clearance concerns
Musk’s request for high-level security access was reportedly denied by the Air Force, citing potential risks if he were granted further exposure to sensitive data.
Despite his existing top-security clearance at SpaceX, which allows him to view certain classified materials, concerns have been raised about his transparency regarding personal habits, namely potential drug abuse and close ties to foreign leaders.
Employees familiar with the investigations have alleged that Musk failed to disclose his full itinerary to the Defence Department, including details of meetings with foreign leaders. Reports also suggest that he may not have submitted required information about his personal and prescription drug use, which became a point of public attention after he discussed microdosing ketamine and smoked marijuana during a podcast appearance.
International concerns over classified information
The issue extends beyond US borders, with at least nine other countries, including those in Europe and the Middle East, expressing concerns about Musk’s involvement in sensitive discussions with US defence officials.
The New York Times reported that foreign governments have raised questions about his capacity to maintain discretion, citing his openness about meetings on his social media platform, X.
SpaceX employees have also voiced unease about Musk’s approach to handling classified material but reportedly hesitated to report these concerns due to fears of professional retaliation.
A growing spotlight on Musk’s influence
These investigations mark a significant escalation in federal oversight of Musk’s activities, reflecting his outsized role in both the private aerospace industry and national security affairs.
As the investigation unfold, they could have wider implications not only for SpaceX but also for the broader relationship between private tech firms and government agencies responsible for safeguarding sensitive information. Whether Musk’s conduct will prompt tighter controls on security clearances or lead to broader policy changes remains to be seen.