U.S. President Donald Trump stated today that his government efficiency advisor, Elon Musk, should not have access to military plans concerning China due to his business interests in the country. This rare admission suggests that Musk’s extensive role in Trump’s Republican administration could face limitations.
Trump made these remarks in the Oval Office during a meeting on the development of a new fighter jet, dismissing claims that Musk would be briefed on potential U.S. military strategies in a conflict with China.
“Elon has business in China, so he might be influenced by that,” Trump said, as reported by Beta.
While Trump praised Musk as a patriot, his acknowledgment of Musk’s corporate ventures—such as Tesla’s expansion of sales and production in China—raises concerns about balancing business interests with government responsibilities.
Previously, Trump had dismissed concerns over Musk’s potential conflicts of interest, asserting that the billionaire would avoid any such situations.
Musk visited the Pentagon today to discuss cost-cutting measures as part of his Government Efficiency Office (DOGE). Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Musk was there “to discuss efficiency and innovation.”
As Musk left the Pentagon, he told CNN reporters that he was willing to do “whatever might be helpful,” but declined to answer whether he had received classified information related to China.
Musk plays a key role in Trump’s plan to drastically reduce the size of the federal government. However, his aggressive approach, which includes mass layoffs and program cuts, has faced resistance from some lawmakers and voters—though it remains popular among Trump’s supporters.
A senior U.S. official revealed on Tuesday that the Department of Defense is expected to cut between 50,000 and 60,000 civilian jobs as part of these reforms.
