Elon Musk and his private aerospace company, SpaceX, are reportedly under investigation by three US military branches. The reviews centre on Muskโs alleged failure to comply with protocols requiring disclosing meetings with foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. The investigations are being conducted by the Defence Departmentโs Office of Inspector General, the Air Force, and the Pentagonโs Office of the Under Secretary of Defence for Intelligence and Security.
Concerns over security risks and classified data
One key issue being reviewed is Muskโs access to classified information. The Air Force has reportedly denied his request for higher-level security clearance, citing concerns about potential security risks. Despite already holding top-security clearance at SpaceX, which allows him access to sensitive military technology, Musk must disclose details about his personal life, travel, and activities to the Defence Department.
However, according to The New York Times sources, Musk and SpaceX must be laxer in meeting these requirements. Allegations suggest this has been ongoing since 2021, with Musk needing to fully disclose his itinerary, including meetings with foreign officials.
Concerns extend to his behaviour on social media, where Musk frequently posts openly about his activities. Some SpaceX employees have expressed unease about his ability to handle sensitive data responsibly, particularly as he has previously shared information about meetings on his X account (formerly Twitter).
International and domestic scrutiny
The issue is not confined to the United States. Over the past three years, nine other countries, including those in Europe and the Middle East, have raised concerns about Muskโs involvement in meetings with US defence officials. They reportedly fear that his actions could compromise sensitive discussions.
Domestically, the investigations are also examining Muskโs disclosures regarding personal habits, including drug use. Reports suggest that Musk may not have fully complied with requirements to share details about prescription or recreational drug use, a standard part of the vetting process for those with security clearance.
The issue gained public attention when Musk smoked marijuana during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast and discussed microdosing ketamine in other public forums, including with former CNN anchor Don Lemon.
Employee fears of retaliation
Sources told The New York Times that some SpaceX employees hesitated to report Muskโs alleged noncompliance, fearing it could jeopardise their jobs. The perceived lack of internal accountability has contributed to growing concerns about how SpaceX manages its obligations under federal regulations.
These investigations come from Muskโs influence on several critical industries, including technology, space exploration, and national security. As the reviews continue, questions remain about whether Muskโs actions and disclosures align with the responsibilities expected of someone with access to highly classified information.
