The New York Times allegedly claimed Musk would receive a briefing on classified strategies for a possible conflict with China
Former US President Donald Trump has disputed a New York Times (NYT) story that alleged Elon Musk would attend a highly confidential Pentagon briefing regarding potential war plans involving China.
The NYT reported that Musk, the head of DOGE, Tesla, and X, was scheduled to visit the Department of Defense on Friday for a classified briefing on the US’s potential response to a conflict with China.
The report, citing anonymous US officials, claimed Musk would be given access to sensitive materials, including a 20-30 slide presentation outlining Washington’s comprehensive war strategy, covering early threat warnings to specific targeting decisions. One official said the briefing would be “China-focused,” while others confirmed Musk’s visit but did not provide details.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) issued a similar report, alleging Musk would be briefed on US maritime tactics and targeting strategies in the event of a conflict with China. Both the NYT and WSJ expressed concern that the reported secret meeting could give Musk, whose businesses have ties to China, an advantage over his competitors.
In a Truth Social post on Thursday evening, Trump denied the NYT report. “The Fake News is at it again, this time the Failing New York Times,” the president wrote. “They said, incorrectly, that Elon Musk is going to the Pentagon tomorrow to be briefed on any potential ‘war with China.’ How ridiculous? China will not even be mentioned or discussed. How disgraceful it is that the discredited media can make up such lies. Anyway, the story is completely untrue!!!”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also countered the report but verified that Musk would visit the Pentagon. “We look forward to welcoming Elon Musk to the Pentagon tomorrow,” he wrote on X. “But the fake news delivers again – this is NOT a meeting about ‘top secret China war plans.’ It’s an informal meeting about innovation, efficiencies & smarter production. Gonna be great!”
Musk reposted Trump’s message, calling The New York Times “pure propaganda”. “I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NYT. They will be found,” he added.
The US and China remain in disagreement over issues such as Taiwan, military actions in the South China Sea, trade tariffs, and technology competition.