Is Elon Musk a National Security Risk?

Image“A wild card”Even before becoming “first buddy” to President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk wielded significant influence in government, thanks to SpaceX.But The Times reports that the tech mogul is facing scrutiny over his activities at the rocket company — all of which may dissipate once Trump takes office.Federal agencies are reviewing Musk’s failure to comply with security clearance rules, The Times reports.Holders of top national security credentials must submit information about foreign travel and aspects of their personal lives, including drug use, to ensure they aren’t at risk of disclosing state secrets.But Musk and SpaceX haven’t fully complied with that requirement since at least 2021, The Times reports.

Concerns about that failure — both within government and within SpaceX — have prompted multiple reviews, including by the Defense Department’s Office of Inspector General.(No federal agency has accused him of disclosing classified material.)Why people are worried: Musk has a penchant for sharing a lot on his X social network, including about diplomatic meetings.

He has held several meetings or discussions with representatives of foreign governments, reportedly including with Iranian officials and President Vladimir Putin of Russia.Musk has also spoken openly about his use of ketamine, which he says he has a prescription for; he hadn’t disclosed that to the government.Others are concerned about Musk abusing his influence with Trump to benefit his companies.Why it matters: SpaceX is a major government contractor.But The Times reports that the Air Force had denied Musk a special top-level clearance, meaning that he couldn’t participate in some highly sensitive meetings.

(Some government officials worry Musk does so anyway.)Other governments have also raised concerns about Musk, according to The Times.The Israeli Ministry of Defense has called the tech baron “a wild card,” and fear that he could divulge sensitive data to ...