Top Senate Democrats – Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island and Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire – are demanding an investigation into Elon Musk’s alleged ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his top officials.
They sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Defense Department Inspector General Robert Storch raising “serious questions about Mr. Musk’s credibility as a government contractor and (security) clearance holder.”
Lawmakers want the Pentagon and Justice Department to investigate whether Musk’s relationship with the U.S. rival compromises national security, especially given his major government contracts.
According to The Wall Street Journal, despite Kremlin denials, Musk is reported to have “numerous, high-level conversations” with Putin through 2022.
The billionaire’s reaction to the allegations was furious, he vowed to “nuclear attack” those behind the claims on his
Reed and Shaheen questioned Musk’s credibility as a government contractor and security clearance holder, citing his alleged communications with Putin’s deputy chief of staff Sergei Kiriyenko.
The senators highlighted Russia’s space ambitions as a direct threat to US national security. They are concerned that Musk, with his top-secret level clearance, does not report his foreign government contacts, unlike others with similar clearances. SpaceX’s deep involvement in US defense and intelligence infrastructure raises concerns.
Musk’s relationship with the US government goes beyond contracts; He endorsed Trump’s 2024 re-election bid and participated in diplomatic efforts, including calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and meeting with Argentine President Javier Mili at Trump’s Florida home.
However, his recent visit to the residence of the Iranian UN Ambassador in New York has sparked controversy, with Iran’s Foreign Minister denying the meeting took place.
The investigation request underscores growing scrutiny of Musk’s foreign connections and their implications for US national security.
