Trump blocks Musk from Pentagon intel over China concerns

• Donald Trump blocked Elon Musk's access to the Pentagon's classified information concerning China-related plans. The decision followed a publication by The New York Times.
• Musk visited the Pentagon but did not receive information about China. Trump believed that Musk could be influenced by his business interests in China.
• Musk's actions frustrate the Trump administration, even though the president maintains a favourable view of him—the leak of information led to the suspension of two Pentagon advisors.

According to information provided by Axios, U.S. President Donald Trump stepped in to prevent Elon Musk from receiving a classified Pentagon briefing on plans concerning China. This decision was a response to the "The New York Times" publication on March 20 at 6:00 p.m. ET, which detailed Musk's planned meeting at the Pentagon. Trump reportedly expressed his displeasure, asking, "What the f(...) is Elon doing there? Make sure he doesn't go."

While Musk did visit the Pentagon, he did not gain access to information about China. Trump expressed concerns that Musk, with his extensive business interests in China, could be susceptible to influence. Tesla, Musk's company, operates a factory in Shanghai and imports some parts from China. The leak concerning the planned briefing led to the suspension of two Pentagon advisors, Dan Caldwell and Darin Selnick, pending an internal investigation.

Musk's actions annoy many members of the Trump administration, even though the president still holds him in high regard. Musk opposes tariffs on China and has criticized trade adviser Peter Navarro, a key advocate of the tariffs. Reuters reported that Tesla has postponed the delivery of components for Semi trucks and the development of Cybertruck due to these tariffs.