A confidential Pentagon briefing intended to update Elon Musk on U.S. military strategies for a potential conflict with China was abruptly canceled following direct intervention from Donald Trump, according to an Axios report. The meeting’s existence was leaked to The New York Times on March 20, sparking internal White House turmoil and prompting Trump to privately demand Musk’s exclusion from sensitive discussions.
The Scrapped Briefing
Musk, whose security clearance did not authorize access to such high-level intelligence, was slated to meet with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other officials to review contingency plans for U.S.-China hostilities. However, his substantial financial interests in China via Tesla—a point of longstanding concern for national security advisors—raised immediate red flags. While Musk’s SpaceX holds critical defense contracts, his dual role as a U.S. contractor and a China-linked business figure triggered alarm.
Trump’s Hidden Ire
Behind closed doors, Trump reportedly erupted, questioning Musk’s presence: “What the f**k is Elon doing there? Make sure he doesn’t go.” Publicly, Trump dismissed the Times report as “fake news,” posting on Truth Social: “They said, incorrectly, that Elon Musk is going to the Pentagon tomorrow to be briefed on any potential ‘war with China.’ How ridiculous? … The story is completely untrue!!!” Yet, Axios confirmed Trump had already ordered the briefing’s cancellation before his denial.
A Watered-Down Meeting
Musk later attended a scaled-back Pentagon discussion with Hegseth, avoiding any China-related topics. When pressed by journalists, Trump acknowledged unease over Musk’s Chinese ties: “I certainly wouldn’t want, you know—Elon has businesses in China, and he would be susceptible, perhaps, to that.”
Musk Strikes Back
The Tesla CEO retaliated on X, condemning the leak and calling for legal action: “I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NYT. They will be found.”
Fallout and Investigations
The leak prompted Defense Secretary Hegseth to suspend two senior Pentagon officials—Dan Caldwell and Darin Selnick—as part of a probe into unauthorized disclosures. Reports indicate Selnick was escorted from the building. The investigation also examines leaks regarding U.S. military operations in the Panama Canal, Red Sea, and intelligence-gathering in Ukraine.
What Lies Ahead?
This incident underscores the volatile alliance between Trump and Musk, blending personal rapport with strategic mistrust. While Trump maintains admiration for Musk, the episode highlights limits to their collaboration—particularly when national security and billionaires’ global interests collide. As leak inquiries unfold, the saga adds another layer to the complex interplay between Silicon Valley powerbrokers and Washington’s political machinery.