Multiple investigations are underway regarding SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s adherence to security clearance protocols, as reported by the New York Times.
At least three federal agencies are reviewing whether Elon Musk and SpaceX have followed security reporting procedures designed to protect classified information, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to the New York Times.
Elon Musk possesses top-secret security clearance from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, granting him access to highly sensitive information. This clearance necessitates reporting personal details under continuous vetting rules.
The probes were initiated due to alleged repeated omissions of crucial details about Musk’s activities, including meetings with foreign leaders, the NYT reported Tuesday.
SpaceX employees responsible for compliance reportedly voiced concerns about lax reporting practices since at least 2021. However, the NYT claims complaints escalated following Musk’s public support for President-elect Trump and his growing influence within the incoming administration.
”Deep state actors are targeting me using paid media operatives. I avoid conflict, but I will end it…” Musk tweeted Tuesday in response to the NYT report.
The Defense Department’s Office of Inspector General launched its review this year; the Air Force and the Pentagon’s Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security initiated separate investigations last month, according to the NYT. The agencies haven’t confirmed or denied these reviews and haven’t accused Musk of disclosing classified information.
Last month, Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Jack Reed raised concerns about Musk potentially disclosing sensitive information. In a letter to the Pentagon Inspector General and the US Attorney General, they cited a Wall Street Journal article claiming Musk had conversations with Russian officials, including President Putin in 2022. The newspaper relied on unnamed sources without providing supporting evidence.
Musk dismissed these claims, calling the senators “puppets” and questioning the letter’s authorship. “Who actually wrote this and got those individuals to sign it?” he tweeted.
”Those behind foreign interference hoaxes will face repercussions,” he vowed last month, threatening action against those making baseless accusations. “I will identify those making these claims and take decisive action.”
The allegations of Musk’s ties to Russia mirror claims made against Donald Trump during his first term. These widespread allegations, fueled by media reports and inconclusive investigations, aimed to undermine his presidency but lacked substantial evidence. The Kremlin also denied frequent communication between Musk and Putin, attributing the allegations to US political infighting.
Musk has openly supported the president-elect and holds significant influence within his team. Trump appointed Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aiming to reduce government waste and streamline the federal bureaucracy.