Trump says Musk gained’t be briefed on secret China conflict plan | EUROtoday

President Donald Trump has denied claims made in a New York Times report that Elon Musk, his shut ally, was scheduled to obtain a Pentagon briefing on Friday relating to the navy’s technique for a possible battle with China.

In a submit on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump mentioned “China will not even be mentioned or discussed” through the Pentagon assembly.

The report was “ridiculous” and “untrue,” he mentioned.

Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon chief, echoed this sentiment in a submit on X.

He confirmed that Musk would go to the Pentagon, however mentioned it was “fake news” that Musk would see any top-secret navy plans.

The assembly would deal with “innovation, efficiencies, and smarter production,” he mentioned.

A US official, talking on the situation of anonymity, instructed the New York Times that senior navy officers would attend the briefing for Musk on the Pentagon, offering an outline of varied matters, together with China.

The New York Times report, citing two unnamed US officers, claimed that the briefing would encompass 20 to 30 slides outlining how the US would have interaction in a battle with China.

Access to this intently guarded navy plan would signify a big growth of Musk’s position as a Trump advisor. Musk has been on the forefront of efforts to cut back US authorities spending.

It would additionally gas questions on conflicts of curiosity for Musk, who as the top of Tesla and SpaceX has enterprise pursuits in China and with the Pentagon.

However, the Times identified that Musk might require entry to delicate navy methods to make sure that proposed funds cuts don’t inadvertently have an effect on important weapons methods important to the Pentagon’s defence plans, notably regarding potential conflicts involving China.

The White House has beforehand mentioned Musk will recuse himself if any conflicts of curiosity come up between his enterprise dealings and his position in chopping federal authorities spending.

In an announcement to the TimesPentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell mentioned: “The Defense Department is excited to welcome Elon Musk to the Pentagon on Friday. He was invited by Secretary Hegseth and is just visiting.”

Washington and Beijing have had tense relations for years over variations starting from entry to expertise, commerce tariffs and cybersecurity to TikTok, Taiwan, Hong Kong, human rights and the origins of Covid.