U.S. government agencies monitored visits by foreign nationals to properties owned by Elon Musk over concerns about potential efforts to influence the tech billionaire, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The investigation, which took place in 2022 and 2023, involved the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department, according to the report. It focused on individuals from Eastern Europe and other regions who had visited Musk properties in the U.S.
Why It Matters
Musk, the world’s richest man and head of companies with sensitive national security ties—including SpaceX, which holds top-secret contracts with the U.S. government—was until recently a close adviser to President Donald Trump.
He was appointed as a special government employee at the start of Trump’s second term and took on the task of slashing the federal budget. That alliance collapsed last week following a public feud between the two men.
Elon Musk and President Donald Trump take part in a press conference in the Oval Office at the White House on May 30, 2025.
Elon Musk and President Donald Trump take part in a press conference in the Oval Office at the White House on May 30, 2025.
Associated Press
What To Know
Federal officials investigated whether individuals from Eastern Europe and other unspecified regions were trying to gain influence over Musk, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal and also reported by Reuters. The FBI was briefed on the inquiry, which ended without any charges.
The investigation came about over concerns about foreign nationals close to Musk, especially because of his leadership roles in companies with sensitive government ties. Musk has top-secret security clearance through SpaceX, which handles U.S. national security projects like satellite launches and defense systems.
The Journal noted the probe began before Trump’s current term and their public split in early June.
Even while Musk and Trump collaborated in recent months, tensions reportedly simmered over Musk’s connections to foreigners. According to the Journal, staff at Musk’s super PAC—formed last year to support Trump—grew uneasy about the foreign individuals accompanying him to meetings and events.
Critics, including Trump’s former adviser Steve Bannon, have long warned that Musk’s international ties—especially in China—could pose conflicts of interest and security risks.
The Journal also reported that Musk has been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022. Due to Musk’s foreign associations, SpaceX lawyers advised him not to pursue a higher security clearance, fearing it could lead to scrutiny or even revocation of his existing clearance.
The Journal said Musk did not respond to requests for comment and the FBI declined to Comment.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump, when asked about Musk’s potential donations to Democrats after their feud, told NBC News: “He will have to pay very serious consequences if he does that.”
Elon Musk, on X amid the public falling out with the president: “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate.”
What Happens Next
If DHS, DOJ, or the Department of Defense determine that Musk’s relationships pose a security risk, his top-secret clearance could be reassessed. The WSJ noted that legal advisers at SpaceX had already warned against seeking higher clearance due to Musk’s foreign ties.
Update 6/10/25, 11:46 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.