Senator Kirsten Gillibrand criticized Elon Musk’s potential Pentagon briefing, indicating concerns over conflicts of interest given his financial ties to China. The Pentagon and White House refuted reports of discussions about military strategies against China, stating the meeting would focus on innovation. Criticism arises from both political figures and former officials regarding Musk’s influence over military protocols.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, representing New York, expressed concerns that Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, should not be involved with the Pentagon. Reports indicated that Musk would receive confidential military information regarding potential contingency plans in the event of a conflict with China. However, both the Pentagon and the White House refuted this claim, asserting that the briefing would not discuss China-related issues.

Gillibrand criticized Musk’s involvement, stating he is an “unelected, self-interested billionaire with no business anywhere near the Pentagon.” She highlights the potential conflict of interest given Musk’s financial stakes in China through Tesla and SpaceX’s contracts related to military space operations. Despite The New York Times’ reporting, former President Donald Trump dismissed these allegations, calling them “completely untrue” and emphasizing that China would not be mentioned during the meetings.

Additionally, Xochitl Hinojosa, a former official in the Obama administration, raised alarms regarding the meeting. Hinojosa suggested that career officials at the Pentagon were concerned enough about disclosures that they informed the press, citing potential conflicts of interest. She noted that officials’ anxieties reflect deeper concerns of ethical implications surrounding Musk’s attendance at the Pentagon.

The New York Times detailed that the briefing supposedly included a presentation concerning military strategies against China and would take place in a secure room known as the Tank. The reported 20 to 30-slide presentation would have shared sensitive operational security information. Meanwhile, there are fears that sharing such plans could endanger U.S. military forces.

Media commentator Pete Hegseth countered the narrative, asserting that the meeting would focus on innovation rather than military strategies towards China. Musk corroborated this statement, asserting his familiarity with the Pentagon and indicating he regards the leaking of information as malicious.

The White House has yet to provide a formal response to the ongoing discourse regarding Musk’s Pentagon visit and the implications of disclosed information pertaining to national security.

In summary, the potential for Elon Musk to engage with the Pentagon has raised significant concerns regarding conflicts of interest and the appropriateness of such involvement. While the Pentagon and White House have asserted that the briefing does not pertain to China, critics like Senator Gillibrand emphasize the ethical questions surrounding Musk’s influence in military affairs. This situation underscores ongoing debates regarding private sector involvement in national security and defense matters.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com

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