Musk Was Never Briefed on China War Plans at Pentagon, Trump and Hegseth Say

President Donald Trump dismissed claims that SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk was privy to U.S. military plans regarding a potential conflict with China during a recent Pentagon meeting. A New York Times report had suggested that Musk’s discussions at the Pentagon included sensitive details about contingency plans for a war with Beijing. Trump, however, firmly denied these allegations, calling the report "completely untrue."

Addressing reporters from the Oval Office, Trump clarified that Musk’s visit was focused on initiatives tied to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk is leading. "We don’t want a potential war with China," Trump remarked. "But if we did, we’re very well-equipped to handle it. That being said, we wouldn’t share those plans with a businessman—even one as patriotic and instrumental as Elon." One thing about Trump, he sure knows how to sprinkle in a compliment while shutting down a rumor.

Concerns about Musk’s involvement stem from his business ties with China through Tesla and his collaboration with the Pentagon via SpaceX. Critics have raised alarms about the potential for conflicts of interest and national security risks. However, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was quick to shut those concerns down, stating, "There were no war plans, no Chinese war plans, no secret plans. That’s not what we were discussing at the Pentagon." Instead, Hegseth emphasized that the meeting focused on innovation and efficiency under DOGE.

Hegseth also announced the cancellation of over $580 million in Department of Defense contracts, citing recommendations from Musk’s efficiency initiative. If there’s one takeaway here, it’s that Musk is apparently shaking things up in Washington.

The New York Times had reported that Musk's Pentagon briefing would feature a detailed presentation on combating China, including potential targets and strategies. It also claimed the meeting would take place in the "Tank," a secure conference room reserved for top military brass. Both Trump and Hegseth pushed back against these assertions, with Hegseth reiterating that the primary focus of the meeting was innovation.

Musk himself weighed in on the controversy, responding to Hegseth on social media platform X with a simple "Exactly." In a follow-up post, Musk expressed frustration over the alleged leaks to the New York Times, stating, "I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NYT. They will be found." Gotta admit, Musk sure knows how to bring the drama when he needs to.

The White House referred all inquiries back to Trump’s comments, which reiterated the administration’s stance that the report was baseless. For now, it seems Musk’s Pentagon visit was more about trimming fat from government budgets than plotting strategies for hypothetical wars. But with the world watching, every meeting in Washington comes with its dose of intrigue.