SpaceX executives were cautioned not to seek a higher security clearance for Elon Musk due to concerns over his past drug use and ongoing contact with foreign nationals

Executives at SpaceX were reportedly advised against seeking a higher security clearance for Elon Musk, citing concerns about his drug use and foreign contacts, including frequent communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to sources who spoke to The Wall Street Journal, SpaceX lawyers warned that attempting to upgrade Musk’s clearance would raise difficult questions and could jeopardise his current security status.

The report comes amidst growing scrutiny surrounding Musk’s links to foreign nationals. In October, a bombshell report by The Journal revealed that Musk had been in regular contact with Putin since late 2022, a revelation that added to previous claims about his alleged use of ketamine. These allegations have caused significant concern, especially given Musk’s prominent role in the space and tech industries, as well as his recent position as a key adviser to President-elect Donald Trump. If true, the potential for Musk to gain access to classified federal information has raised alarm.

SpaceX had been considering the possibility of seeking a higher clearance for Musk, which would grant him access to more sensitive federal information. However, the company was cautioned that doing so could lead to Musk being asked uncomfortable questions regarding his personal history and foreign connections. Such an upgrade would also risk the revocation of his existing clearance, according to the report.

The security concerns are compounded by Musk’s influence and his ties to major political figures. As he prepares to assume a powerful advisory role in the Trump administration, the potential implications for national security and foreign relations are under intense scrutiny. Despite the allegations, SpaceX has defended Musk, with the company describing the claims about his communications with Putin as “misleading” and “unsubstantiated.”

While Musk’s position at the helm of SpaceX and other ventures has been widely praised, these revelations shed light on the complexity of his relationships with foreign leaders and his personal habits. As questions about his security clearance persist, it remains to be seen how SpaceX and Musk’s other enterprises will navigate the political and legal challenges that lie ahead.