In a fiery response, former U.S. President Donald Trump has slammed a recent New York Times report alleging that the Pentagon privately briefed Elon Musk about a potential war with China. Calling the report “ridiculous,” Trump dismissed the claims, asserting that under his leadership, such a scenario “wouldn’t even be discussed.”
The New York Times report suggested that the Pentagon sought Musk’s insights, given his influential role in global satellite communications through SpaceX’s Starlink. The platform has become a critical asset in military operations and emergency communications, leading to heightened interest from defense officials.
Trump, however, accused the media of fear-mongering and undermining national confidence. “This is another baseless story meant to stoke panic and damage reputations,” he said during a rally. “Under my administration, the strength of our military and diplomacy ensured that war was not an option. We maintained peace through strength.”
The Pentagon has yet to comment on the specifics of the alleged briefing. Meanwhile, Musk has also refrained from addressing the report directly. As tensions between the U.S. and China remain a key geopolitical concern, the involvement of private sector leaders in national security conversations continues to raise questions.
This development underscores the growing intersection between technology, business, and defense strategy — a realm where figures like Musk wield substantial influence.