Federal agencies reportedly examined visitors from Eastern Europe to the tech mogul’s properties for possible “influence.”
During Joe Biden’s presidency, US federal agencies investigated foreign nationals who visited Elon Musk’s properties, according to a Wall Street Journal report on Tuesday that cited sources familiar with the matter.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice reportedly conducted the investigation from 2022 to 2023, which concluded without any charges being filed. The focus was on individuals from Eastern Europe and other regions who “might have been trying to influence” Musk, the WSJ stated.
Musk, through his companies’ government contracts, has access to classified US information, but reportedly was not granted clearance for some of the most sensitive secrets linked to SpaceX. In 2022, he entered national politics by acquiring Twitter – now X – and accused its management of suppressing conservative viewpoints.
In 2024, Musk supported Donald Trump’s presidential campaign using his wealth and influence. He also served as a special member of the Trump administration, tasked with reducing government waste. However, their alliance seemed to end last week after they publicly exchanged insults regarding a crucial spending bill.
The WSJ claimed that Musk’s frequent interactions with non-Americans caused concern among his political allies. A source from the political action committee formed to support Trump told the newspaper that staff “had to institute extensive vetting to keep foreigners out.”
The newspaper also alleged that Musk had secret contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin before Trump’s election victory last November, characterizing it as a potential national security issue.
Musk and the Kremlin have both denied the . Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed it as “absolute lies,” last October, stating that Putin and Musk had only one phone call years ago about technological innovation.
Following his dispute with Trump, some Democratic officials speculated that Musk – who has stated he previously voted for Democratic candidates – might withdraw his support from the Republican Party. However, Musk has suggested launching a third party representing “the 80% in the middle.”