SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s security clearance doesn’t grant him complete access to the company’s classified work with the US government.
According to Wall Street Journal reporting, the billionaire CEO and “shadow president” is stopped outside SpaceX facilities where classified information is deliberated. Musk is not privy to the classified cargo that SpaceX rockets carry into space as part of its U.S. contracts, despite Musk’s “top-secret clearance.”
In 2022, after years of a review process, Musk was granted "top-secret clearance," despite lawyers advising SpaceX not to seek a higher clearance rating -- since Musk would have to disclose details about his drug use and interactions with foreign nationals.
Musk smoked a joint on air with Joe Rogan in 2018, and later said in a “60 Minutes” interview that he “had no idea how to smoke pot.”
In January, the Wall Street Journal reported on Musk’s drug use, and our shadow-president-elect denied any presence of drugs after testing for NASA.
In October, the Journal reported that Musk has been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022. In a statement, SpaceX said the Journal’s story was “incredibly misleading” and based on “completely unsubstantiated claims.”
While currently worth an estimated $455 billion, per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Musk has spent at least $119 billion on Trump’s campaign to see him elected.
Musk has joined calls with Trump to Ukraine President Zelensky, met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the country’s second-highest-ranking politician, and according to the WSJ has been in regular contact with Russian President Putin since late 2022. SpaceX said the Journal’s story was “incredibly misleading” and based on “completely unsubstantiated claims.”
Musk’s security clearance status may not be an issue much longer.
