Multiple federal agencies have initiated investigations into Elon Musk and SpaceX regarding alleged breaches of security reporting requirements, as both US and Israeli officials voice mounting concerns about the protection of classified information.
The New York Times has uncovered recent serious allegations against Elon Musk and SpaceX concerning systematic violations of security reporting protocols. Three federal agencies – the Defense Department's Inspector General Office, the Air Force, and the Office of Intelligence and Security – have initiated separate investigations following concerning reports about the company's practices.
The investigations focus on multiple critical issues. Musk, who maintains a "Top Secret" clearance at SpaceX, is under scrutiny for allegedly withholding essential information from authorities. Among the reported violations: failing to disclose meetings with foreign leaders, withholding comprehensive travel information, and not reporting drug use – a requirement under security protocols that applies even to prescription medications.
Tensions escalated when the Air Force denied Musk elevated security access, pointing to potential security risks. Allied nations, Israel among them, have raised security concerns and expressed apprehension about Musk's potential to disclose sensitive information. During consultations between Israeli intelligence officials and American security personnel, Israeli sources characterized him as "an unpredictable player."
The matter gains additional weight given SpaceX's position as a major US government contractor, managing contracts valued at $10 billion from 2019 to 2023. Musk, an outspoken supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, recently received an appointment to help streamline federal bureaucracy.
Musk responded aggressively to the investigations. On X, he alleged that "deep state traitors" were manipulating "hired journalists." Nevertheless, security officials maintain their concerns about his handling of sensitive information, particularly considering his pattern of sharing information publicly on social media platforms.
Experts caution that this situation could compromise the government's institutional accountability framework. Danielle Brian, who leads the Project on Government Oversight, warned that such behavior "could break our system of checks and balances" within democratic institutions.
