Trump Denies Musk's China Briefing

GEAR CHECK: Our readers don't just follow the news - they stay ready. Featured gear from this story is below.

Staff Writer

The Trump administration has denied reports that Elon Musk received a briefing on the Pentagon's potential war plans with China during his visit.

President Donald Trump and top administration officials have refuted reports that Tesla CEO Elon Musk received a briefing on the Pentagon's potential war plans with China during his visit to the Pentagon on Friday. Trump told reporters that Musk's meeting was focused on DOGE, efficiencies, and innovations, and not on China.

According to The New York Times, Musk was scheduled to receive a briefing on the U.S. military's potential plans for war against China in the event of a future conflict, citing two U.S. officials. However, three defense officials told NBC News that while China was one of the topics discussed, the meeting did not involve potential war plans.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth dismissed The New York Times article as a "fake story" aimed at undermining the Pentagon's relationship with Musk. Hegseth described the meeting as an "informal conversation" about innovation, efficiencies, and smarter production.

Trump also slammed The New York Times on Truth Social, calling the story "completely untrue" and "fake news." Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell echoed this sentiment, labeling the story "100% Fake News" and "brazenly & maliciously wrong" on X.

The denial comes amidst speculation about the nature of Musk's meeting at the Pentagon. The Tesla CEO's visit was initially reported to be focused on his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, but the reports of a potential briefing on China war plans sparked widespread interest.

You may also like

Blog

A Secret Service officer was arrested in early May after allegedly exposing himself and masturbating in a hotel hallway in Miami. His hearing is scheduled for May 27, as the agency faces renewed scrutiny over conduct standards following Saturday's White House shooting.
A 21-year-old Maryland man pulled a weapon from a bag and opened fire at a White House security checkpoint Saturday evening, prompting Secret Service agents to return fire. The gunman is dead. A bystander is in critical condition. Trump was in the Oval Office at the time.
An Irish Army crew with just two weeks of training reportedly defeated multiple US military teams at the prestigious Sullivan Cup competition in Georgia, despite Ireland not even operating Bradley fighting vehicles. The upset is now drawing attention far beyond Ireland.
Survivors of the Iranian drone strike that killed six US soldiers in Kuwait say the Army ignored requests for more medical resources weeks before the attack, and that at least one soldier who died could have been saved.
The US Army's Arctic Angels are training in some of the most punishing conditions on earth as Russia, China and the US quietly battle for dominance over one of the world's last underdeveloped strategic frontiers.

Like This Story? Check Out What Our Community Is Buying

Our best sellers are designed for real-world use - not hype.

View Best Sellers