Pentagon begins investigation after Musk's visit

In response to allegations related to Elon Musk’s recent visit to the Pentagon, Joe Kasper, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s chief of staff, called for an investigation into the “unauthorized disclosure” of information concerning national security. He also urged that those responsible be referred to the appropriate criminal enforcement authority for prosecution.

Musk, the world’s richest person with billions of dollars in defense contracts, visited the Pentagon on Friday to discuss cost-cutting and innovation. The visit sparked controversy even before it began, after The New York Times reported that Musk was set to receive top-secret information about US military plans in the event of a potential war with China.

The New York Times, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, reported that Musk was set to review classified US military strategies concerning China, potentially exposing critical Pentagon secrets given his significant business interests. The billionaire’s views on China have also raised concerns - he has called Taiwan an integral part of the PRC and once suggested turning the self-governing island into an administrative zone of China.

However, US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied that there were ever plans to brief Musk at such a high level.

Further intensifying scrutiny, Musk took to his social media platform X, demanding legal action against Pentagon officials leaking what he called misleading information to the media.

“The investigation into leaks will commence immediately and culminate in a report to the Secretary of Defense. The report will include a complete record of unauthorized disclosures within the Department of Defense and recommendations to improve such efforts,” Kasper wrote in an internal memo published late on March 21.