Trump criticizes NYT over ‘ridiculous’ Musk ‘fake news’
The paper has reported that a billionaire would be briefed on sensitive plans related to a potential war with China. US President Donald Trump has denied a New York Times report that billionaire Elon Musk would attend a confidential Pentagon...
TroibNews 
The paper has reported that a billionaire would be briefed on sensitive plans related to a potential war with China.
US President Donald Trump has denied a New York Times report that billionaire Elon Musk would attend a confidential Pentagon briefing regarding potential war plans with China.
Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency and owns Tesla and X, was reportedly set to visit the Defense Department on Friday for a classified briefing on how the US would respond to a possible conflict with Beijing, according to the NYT.
The report, citing unnamed US officials, claimed that Musk would gain access to sensitive information, including a presentation consisting of 20 to 30 slides that would outline Washington's overall strategy for the war, detailing everything from early threat warnings to specific targeting decisions. One official described the briefing as “China-focused,” while others confirmed Musk's attendance but did not provide further details.
The Wall Street Journal also published a similar article indicating that Musk would be briefed on US maritime tactics and targeting strategies in the event of a conflict with China. Both the NYT and WSJ expressed concerns that this alleged top-secret meeting could provide the entrepreneur, whose businesses are linked to the country, with an advantage over competitors.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday evening, Trump refuted the NYT report. He stated, “The Fake News is at it again, this time the Failing New York Times. They said, incorrectly, that Elon Musk is going to the Pentagon tomorrow to be briefed on any potential ‘war with China.’ How ridiculous? China will not even be mentioned or discussed. How disgraceful it is that the discredited media can make up such lies. Anyway, the story is completely untrue!!!”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also countered the report while confirming Musk’s visit to the Pentagon. He stated on X, “We look forward to welcoming Elon Musk to the Pentagon tomorrow. But the fake news delivers again – this is NOT a meeting about ‘top secret China war plans.’ It’s an informal meeting about innovation, efficiencies & smarter production. Gonna be great!”
Musk himself reshared Trump’s message, labeling The New York Times as “pure propaganda.” He added, “I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NYT. They will be found.”
The US and China continue to have tensions over various issues, including Taiwan, military actions in the South China Sea, trade tariffs, and technological competition.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
US President Donald Trump has denied a New York Times report that billionaire Elon Musk would attend a confidential Pentagon briefing regarding potential war plans with China.
Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency and owns Tesla and X, was reportedly set to visit the Defense Department on Friday for a classified briefing on how the US would respond to a possible conflict with Beijing, according to the NYT.
The report, citing unnamed US officials, claimed that Musk would gain access to sensitive information, including a presentation consisting of 20 to 30 slides that would outline Washington's overall strategy for the war, detailing everything from early threat warnings to specific targeting decisions. One official described the briefing as “China-focused,” while others confirmed Musk's attendance but did not provide further details.
The Wall Street Journal also published a similar article indicating that Musk would be briefed on US maritime tactics and targeting strategies in the event of a conflict with China. Both the NYT and WSJ expressed concerns that this alleged top-secret meeting could provide the entrepreneur, whose businesses are linked to the country, with an advantage over competitors.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday evening, Trump refuted the NYT report. He stated, “The Fake News is at it again, this time the Failing New York Times. They said, incorrectly, that Elon Musk is going to the Pentagon tomorrow to be briefed on any potential ‘war with China.’ How ridiculous? China will not even be mentioned or discussed. How disgraceful it is that the discredited media can make up such lies. Anyway, the story is completely untrue!!!”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also countered the report while confirming Musk’s visit to the Pentagon. He stated on X, “We look forward to welcoming Elon Musk to the Pentagon tomorrow. But the fake news delivers again – this is NOT a meeting about ‘top secret China war plans.’ It’s an informal meeting about innovation, efficiencies & smarter production. Gonna be great!”
Musk himself reshared Trump’s message, labeling The New York Times as “pure propaganda.” He added, “I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NYT. They will be found.”
The US and China continue to have tensions over various issues, including Taiwan, military actions in the South China Sea, trade tariffs, and technological competition.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
Find more stories on Business, Economy and Finance in TROIB business
