Pentagon changed Musk's meeting plans after leaked report

Elon Musk’s planned meeting at the Pentagon was changed after reports surfaced suggesting he would receive a briefing on U.S. military plans regarding China. Originally, he was set to attend an unclassified meeting with high-ranking military leaders, including Admiral Sam Paparo. After the New York Times reported this meeting, Pentagon officials decided to alter Musk’s visit. Instead of meeting with top military officials, he met with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a few other officials. The reported focus on China prompted the organizers to reconsider who would attend the meeting. While the Joint Chiefs of Staff had their meeting as scheduled, Admiral Paparo did not attend. Musk's visit was limited to discussions with Hegseth and other government officials. Both Musk and the Pentagon denied the claims that Musk would receive sensitive information about China. Former President Donald Trump also stated that such briefings would not be given to someone like Musk. Hegseth stressed that there were no discussions about war plans during Musk’s visit. He described the meeting as an informal talk on topics like innovation and efficiency. Musk arrived around 9 a.m. and left shortly after 10 a.m., as the Joint Chiefs’ meeting began. After the reports surfaced, Musk called for the prosecution of anyone who leaked information about the meeting. Trump backed Musk’s remarks and denied that China was part of the agenda. The incident has stirred debate about Musk's involvement in defense matters and his connections to China and the U.S. government.