· Government action
Musk and SpaceX reported to face three federal reviews over security reporting compliance
What he said or did
The New York Times reported that the Defense Department's Inspector General, the Air Force and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security had opened reviews into whether Musk and SpaceX complied with federal reporting rules for security-clearance holders. The Times reported that some foreign travel details, meetings with foreign leaders and drug use had not been reported as required.
Background
SpaceX holds classified contracts with the Pentagon and intelligence agencies. The Times reported the Air Force had recently denied Musk high-level access, citing potential security risks; Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Jack Reed had earlier urged investigations into reported calls between Musk and Russian officials (Reuters).
Official response
Musk posted on X: Deep state traitors are coming after me, using their paid shills in legacy media
(NYT via Boston Globe). The Pentagon Inspector General's office said it could neither confirm nor deny the existence of an ongoing investigation
; SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell declined to comment (Reuters).
Fact-checks and findings
The Times reported that no federal agency had accused Musk of disclosing classified information.
Sources
- The New York Times (via Boston Globe)17 Dec 2024
- Reuters (via Malay Mail)18 Dec 2024
This entry records what was publicly said or done, as reported by the sources above. Quotes are attributed to the person who made them.
