 "Elon Musk speaks next to US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on., February 11. He heads the Doge, which is tasked with cutting costs of the US government. Reuters")
US billionaire and a top advisor to President Donald Trump, Elon Musk has brazenly threatened Pentagon officials who may have leaked information to media about a top-secret meeting, reportedly involving a briefing on a potential American war with China.
Earlier, New York Times reported Thursday (March 20) that Pentagon may also brief Musk about USA’s war strategy, raising concerns over his expanding role in the administration.
However, Trump later rubbished the report, saying “China will not even be mentioned or discussed”. Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “How disgraceful it is that the discredited media can make up such lies. Anyway, the story is completely untrue!!!”
Notably, both Pentagon and Trump have confirmed the high-level meeting on Friday but have rejected reports that China’s war strategy would be on the agenda.
Taking to X, Musk reposted Trump’s comments and dubbed the New York Times “pure propaganda”. Then, he went on to threaten Pentagon employees for leaking details to the media. In his post, he wrote he looks “forward to the prosecution of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NYT.” “They will be found,” he added.
The controversy comes as Musk faces criticism from Democrats and the media over potential conflicts of interest. His role in the administration and federal government has raised questions even as he continues to run companies like SpaceX, which offers services to the government.
Musk’s comments against Pentagon employees and New York Times drew criticism online as users accused the billionaire of not being transparent enough.
“Can you explain to everyone how your Pentagon briefings tie into your role at DOGE?” one user wrote. “Because for someone who keeps shouting about transparency, you seem to be crossing into some murky territory - exactly the kind being reported by NYT and others,” the user added.
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More ShortsAnother user questioned Musk’s choice of words.
“Interesting choice of words Elon. How can anyone LEAK ( your words ) anything that wasn’t said? They can make up lies … sure …. but you used the word ’leak’. What did they leak? Apparently, what was said was fabricated so there was nothing to leak??? Right or wrong?”