The US Department of Defense plans to brief Elon Musk, who heads an agency to improve the efficiency of the federal government, on Washington's military plans in case of a possible conflict with China, the New York Times reported, citing its sources.
The Space X founder's access to some of the country's most secret military plans marks a significant expansion of his role as an adviser to US President Donald Trump and, as the newspaper notes, highlights the associated conflicts of interest.
The briefing, scheduled for Friday, will focus on China, but its details remain classified.
Military plans, known in military parlance as “operational plans“, are among the most closely guarded secrets at the Pentagon. According to sources, the briefing includes about 20-30 presentation slides that reveal how the US would act in the event of a conflict with China. It looks at warning signs of a threat from China, as well as different options for striking Chinese targets, timelines and strategies that will be presented to President Trump for a decision.
Soon after the information about Musk emerged, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth denied it.
"We look forward to meeting with Elon Musk on March 21 at the Pentagon. But again, fake news is emerging - this is not a meeting about "top secret war plans with China". This is an informal meeting about innovation, efficiency and smart manufacturing. It will be great," he wrote on Thursday in X.