NEW YORK CITY, USA – Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré (Rtd.), a former U.S. Army commander, has described Elon Musk as a potential national security risk in a sharply critical op-ed published in The New York Times.
Honoré expressed concerns over Musk’s business dealings in China and his reported interactions with foreign leaders, arguing that his connections could compromise U.S. security interests, particularly in the critical domains of space exploration and defense.
SpaceX and U.S. National Security
Honoré highlighted SpaceX’s dominant role in America’s space industry, noting its near-monopoly on U.S. rocket launches and its significance in the space race against China.
He cited concerns that Musk’s extensive business operations in China—including Tesla’s Shanghai gigafactory, which was financed with $1.4 billion in loans from Chinese state-controlled banks—could make him susceptible to influence from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
“China’s laws stipulate that the Communist Party can demand intelligence from any company doing business in China,” Honoré wrote.
“This means Musk’s business dealings in China could require him to hand over sensitive classified information.”
Although there is no evidence Musk has disclosed sensitive materials, Honoré argued that the risk of coercion warrants serious federal scrutiny.
Federal Investigations and Bipartisan Concerns
Honoré referenced ongoing federal investigations into Musk and SpaceX, including reviews by the Air Force, the Defense Department’s Office of Inspector General, and the under secretary of defense for intelligence and security.
These probes reportedly center on Musk’s undisclosed meetings with foreign leaders and possible violations of national security protocols.
The retired general also pointed to bipartisan concerns in Congress.
In November 2024, Democratic senators called for investigations into Musk’s reliability as a government contractor, citing his alleged conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other foreign officials.
Musk’s Ties to China and Russia
Musk’s public statements praising Chinese leadership and advocating for closer U.S.-China economic ties have drawn criticism.
In a May 2023 meeting with then-Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, Musk reportedly described U.S. and Chinese interests as “intertwined like conjoined twins.”
He has also faced backlash for suggesting that Taiwan become a special administrative region of China—a stance aligned with Beijing’s controversial position.
Honoré warned that Musk’s remarks and actions could undermine U.S. security, particularly as tensions with China and Russia escalate.
Implications for the Incoming Trump Administration
Honoré called on President-elect Donald Trump and his administration to take immediate action to address the potential risks posed by Musk.
He urged the government to consider revoking Musk’s security clearance and exploring alternatives to SpaceX’s services.
“The fact that Musk spent a quarter of a billion dollars to help re-elect Trump does not give the incoming White House the license to look the other way,” Honoré wrote.
“If Trump and his appointees mean what they say about getting tough on America’s adversaries, they will act on this matter without delay.”
Musk’s Influence and Response
Musk, who has become a close adviser to Trump, has not commented publicly on Honoré’s op-ed.
However, his relationship with China and Russia has drawn increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and security experts.
As Musk continues to wield influence in the realms of technology, defense, and policy, the debate over his global business dealings and their implications for national security is likely to intensify.
For now, Honoré’s op-ed underscores growing unease about the convergence of private enterprise and public security in an era of heightened geopolitical tensions.
