Elon Musk’s Secret Conversations with Vladimir Putin Spark National Security Concerns

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and the richest man in the world, has reportedly been in regular talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022, raising concerns over national security, U.S.-Russia relations, and Musk’s growing influence in both technology and politics. According to an exclusive report from The Wall Street Journal, Musk’s conversations with Putin cover various topics, including business, personal interests, and global political issues.

As Musk’s influence has expanded beyond business and into international affairs, sources say his connections with the Kremlin may signal a different kind of engagement with Russia, especially amid tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the Ukraine war. Notably, Putin reportedly asked Musk to avoid extending his Starlink satellite service over Taiwan—a favor that would benefit China, Russia’s ally. Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet network, has played a key role in Ukraine’s defense by keeping its forces connected amid disrupted infrastructure.

Musk initially supported Ukraine, even supplying thousands of Starlink terminals. But last year, Ukrainian forces found that Starlink couldn’t be used in certain regions of Russian-controlled Crimea, which Musk later said was to prevent escalation with Russia, fearing it could lead to nuclear conflict.

Beyond Russia, Musk is deeply embedded with U.S. military and intelligence agencies. SpaceX has a major contract with the Pentagon, and Musk’s high-level security clearance gives him access to classified U.S. space operations. According to the WSJ, officials aren’t thrilled about Musk’s frequent talks with Russian leaders but haven’t raised any alarms over potential security risks.

With the U.S. presidential election on the horizon, Musk’s influence is even more pronounced. A strong supporter of former President Donald Trump, Musk is reportedly prepared to invest up to $45 million a month toward getting Trump elected in 2024. Trump, in turn, has suggested Musk might have a role in his administration should he win, including a potential “government efficiency commission.”

Musk’s ties to Trump and his interactions with Putin are drawing scrutiny from U.S. officials, as some wonder how Musk’s influential position in U.S. space and defense could affect national security.