Trump Voices Concerns Over Musk's Business Interests in China
The U.S. President questions the access of advisor Elon Musk to sensitive military plans due to his commercial ties with China.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed his apprehensions regarding Elon Musk's business dealings in China, stating that Musk should not have access to military plans related to China because he has business interests there.
This remark marks a rare acknowledgment of potential conflicts arising from Musk's extensive role in the Trump Administration.
During a meeting in the Oval Office focused on the development of a new fighter jet, Trump dismissed claims that Musk would be briefed on U.S. strategies for potential conflicts with China.
The President stated, "Elon has businesses in China.
Therefore, he might be influenced by that," reflecting unease about balancing corporate interests with government responsibilities.
While Trump has previously dismissed suggestions regarding Musk's potential conflicts of interest—claiming that the billionaire would avoid such situations—his recent comments highlight a growing concern.
Musk's ventures, particularly Tesla, are seeking to expand production and sales in China, which complicates his advisory role in the U.S. government.
After a visit to the Pentagon where Musk discussed cost-cutting measures with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk expressed a willingness to contribute positively, as captured by a video report from CNN.
However, he refrained from commenting on whether he was privy to confidential information about China during his visit.
Musk plays a significant role in the Trump Administration's efforts to significantly reduce the size of the federal government.
His approach, characterized by aggressive strategies including mass layoffs and program cuts, has faced pushback from some U.S. lawmakers and constituents, although it has received praise from Trump's supporters.
A senior official informed reporters that the Department of Defense is projected to lose between 50,000 and 60,000 civilian jobs as a result of these measures.
This remark marks a rare acknowledgment of potential conflicts arising from Musk's extensive role in the Trump Administration.
During a meeting in the Oval Office focused on the development of a new fighter jet, Trump dismissed claims that Musk would be briefed on U.S. strategies for potential conflicts with China.
The President stated, "Elon has businesses in China.
Therefore, he might be influenced by that," reflecting unease about balancing corporate interests with government responsibilities.
While Trump has previously dismissed suggestions regarding Musk's potential conflicts of interest—claiming that the billionaire would avoid such situations—his recent comments highlight a growing concern.
Musk's ventures, particularly Tesla, are seeking to expand production and sales in China, which complicates his advisory role in the U.S. government.
After a visit to the Pentagon where Musk discussed cost-cutting measures with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk expressed a willingness to contribute positively, as captured by a video report from CNN.
However, he refrained from commenting on whether he was privy to confidential information about China during his visit.
Musk plays a significant role in the Trump Administration's efforts to significantly reduce the size of the federal government.
His approach, characterized by aggressive strategies including mass layoffs and program cuts, has faced pushback from some U.S. lawmakers and constituents, although it has received praise from Trump's supporters.
A senior official informed reporters that the Department of Defense is projected to lose between 50,000 and 60,000 civilian jobs as a result of these measures.
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