Elon Musk's Pentagon visit sparks controversy over China strategy

Elon Musk, a renowned entrepreneur and close associate of US President Donald Trump, visited the Pentagon, where he met with Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth.

This meeting sparked controversy, especially in the context of Musk's numerous contracts with the Department of Defence. The "New York Times" reported that Musk was to be informed about secret war plans with China, a claim denied by both Musk and Trump.

Musk vehemently denied the reports, calling them "pure propaganda." - I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NYT – said Musk before meeting Hegseth.

President Trump also denied that Musk had access to such information, emphasising that he does not wish to disclose war plans to anyone, including Musk.

A spokesperson for the "New York Times" commented that investigations into leaks aim to "chill communications between journalists and their sources and undermine the ability of a free press to bring out vital information that may otherwise be hidden." Hegseth's Chief of Staff called for an investigation into the "unauthorised disclosures of national security information." The potential use of polygraph tests is also involved.

Hegseth explained that the conversation with Musk was informal and concerned "innovation, efficiencies & smarter production." - There was no war plans - he said. However, Musk's visit to the Pentagon has fuelled speculation about his influence on the Trump administration and potential conflicts of interest.