Elon Musk does not report his travels to the US Department of Defense and does not provide the department with other information, as required by the rules for his level of access to top secret information, the New York Times has learned.
Image source: x.com/elonmusk
Due to the fact that Musk does not provide reports in the proper form, three departments in the US armed forces began inspections against the businessman: the Air Force, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, and the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense. However, none of the departments brought charges against Musk for disclosing classified materials.
Until 2018, Musk had a mid-level security clearance, after which SpaceX applied for a top secret clearance for the CEO. The company carries out contracts for the US government, including civilian and military agencies, including launching classified satellites for the US National Space Agency and providing encrypted communications and surveillance using Starshield satellites.
When screening applicants for clearance, authorities collect their financial information and examine their personal relationships. The decision regarding Musk took two years, twice as long as the average. While the issue was being resolved, Musk violated security clearance rules: he committed defamatory acts while recording a podcast and expanded his business interests in China. The authorities gave the businessman access to top secret information, but since 2021 he has stopped reporting on the details of his life: travel, meetings with people and the use of prohibited substances. The government is concerned that SpaceX did not ensure Musk complied with reporting rules.
His handling of classified information has already raised questions in U.S. diplomatic meetings with allies, including Israel. Musk’s national security influence has grown since his support for now-President-elect Donald Trump. After the inauguration, the politician will have the right to grant security clearance to any person.