How the White House is handling Elon Musk and potential conflicts of interest

As the public face of President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, billionaire tech CEO Elon Musk has an expansive portfolio that spans across the many levers of government — and that could intersect with his wide range of business interests.

Topics

Pentagon denies China was discussed in briefing with Elon Musk

Elon Musk's visit to the Pentagon is raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest since the tech mogul has business ties to both the Department of Defense and China. NBC News' Courtney ...
NBC News - 1d
Pentagon Set Up Briefing for Musk on Potential War With China

The access would be a major expansion of Elon Musk’s government role and highlight his conflicts of interest.
The New York Times - 2d
Democrats push investigation into Trump, Musk White House Tesla event

Senate Democrats are seeking an investigation into President Trump and adviser Elon Musk's use of the White House to promote Musk's business interests, alleging a violation of federal ethics laws.
The Hill - Mar. 13
'SNL' taps into cynicism over Elon Musk's White House influence

Questions about tech investor Elon Musk's extraordinary influence in President Donald Trump's White House found answers that doubled as punchlines on "Saturday Night Live."
NBC News - Mar. 9
Trump buys a Tesla from Elon Musk at the White House

President Donald Trump bought a Tesla from Elon Musk at the White House. Trump declared the vehicles “beautiful” and in particular praised the company’s unusually designed Cybertruck.
NBC News - Mar. 11
Trump allies press the White House to dial back Elon Musk's media interviews over his Social Security jabs

Trump allies have pressed the White House to dial back Elon Musk's media interviews, worried about his criticisms of Social Security.
NBC News - 10h
Elon Musk and Marco Rubio Share Awkward Social Media Embrace After White House Confrontation

Days after Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Elon Musk sparred at the White House, Mr. Rubio announced cuts to foreign aid that Mr. Musk had ordered.
The New York Times - Mar. 10
Trump makes rare admission of Musk’s conflicts of interest after Pentagon visit

President says plans for potential war with China would not be shared with billionaire due to his business interests. US politics live – latest updates Donald Trump said on Friday that plans ...
The Guardian - 1d
Elon Musk’s White House role weighs on business empire

Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration is complicating his business ventures, as the tech billionaire pushes forward with efforts to slash the federal government and budget in the face of ...
The Hill - Mar. 12
Elon Musk’s Starlink Expands Across White House Complex

Trump administration officials said the company donated the internet service, saying the gift had been vetted by the lawyer overseeing ethics issues in the White House Counsel’s Office.
The New York Times - 5d
Elon Musk’s Starlink Expands Across White House Complex

Trump administration officials said the company donated the internet service, saying the gift had been vetted by the lawyer overseeing ethics issues in the White House Counsel’s Office.
The New York Times - 5d
Watch: Trump buys Tesla alongside Musk at White House

President Trump joined tech billionaire and adviser Elon Musk on Tuesday at the White House, where he bought a Tesla vehicle. “I’m gonna buy because number one, it’s a great product. As good as it ...
The Hill - Mar. 11
White House renews Social Security pledge after Musk comments

The White House is trying to assure Americans that President Trump will not make cuts to Social Security and Medicare after adviser Elon Musk went after entitlement spending. {beacon} Health Care ...
The Hill - Mar. 11
Trump sharply denies Musk China briefing, citing business conflicts

President Trump on Friday denied that his administration would show billionaire Elon Musk details of the Pentagon’s planning for a potential war with China, citing Musk’s various business dealings ...
The Hill - 2d
Tesla vehicles vandalized across US since Musk began White House role

Tesla vehicles, dealerships and charging stations have been hit with vandalisms, fires and protests since Elon Musk began his role at the White House.
ABC News - Mar. 12
Elon Musk meets defence officials in Pentagon visit

The White House denied media reports that Musk would receive a briefing on classified reports about China.
BBC News - 2d
Musk’s SpaceX Could Secure Billions in New Contracts Under Trump

Elon Musk’s role in the White House allows him to cancel contracts and influence policy, potentially benefiting his companies. Supporters say he has the best technology.
The New York Times - 10h
Trump turns the White House lawn into a Tesla showroom

President Donald Trump on Tuesday turned the South Lawn of the White House into a temporary Tesla showroom in a conspicuous favor to his adviser Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of the car company.
NBC News - Mar. 11
Trump defends Elon Musk, DOGE cuts to federal workforce

President Trump defended Elon Musk and DOGE over the weekend after reported rifts between Musk and Cabinet members. CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi has more.
CBS News - Mar. 10
Trump's White House Tesla showcase for Musk raises ethics concerns

Ethics experts are sounding the alarm that the president's event with Elon Musk could eliminate the lines of proper objectivity from elected officials.
ABC News - Mar. 13
White House says Trump won't cut Social Security, Medicare after Musk remarks

The White House on Tuesday asserted President Trump would not cut Social Security or Medicare after tech billionaire Elon Musk's comments about the need to examine entitlement spending gained ...
The Hill - Mar. 11
Trump’s Tesla Display at the White House Revives Memories of Musk in Beijing

When President Trump hosted Elon Musk and his electric vehicles this week, it recalled a visit years earlier to the Communist Party’s leadership compound.
The New York Times - Mar. 13
Trump's White House Tesla expo

Presented by Ericsson {beacon} Technology Technology PRESENTED BY The Big Story Trump buys a Tesla in defense of Elon Musk President Trump bought a Tesla Tuesday afternoon to "make a ...
The Hill - Mar. 11
White House ‘not going to cut Social Security:’ LaCivita

The White House won’t cut Social Security, President Trump’s 2024 co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita said in a new interview in response to a question about tech billionaire Elon Musk’s comments ...
The Hill - Mar. 14
The United States of Elon Musk Inc.

The degree to which Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s interests are intertwined is unprecedented—and ultimately unsustainable.
Wired - Mar. 13
Watchdog requests probe into FAA business with Musk's Starlink

A watchdog group has asked the Transportation Department’s inspector general to investigate whether the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) business with Elon Musk’s Starlink violates conflict ...
The Hill - Mar. 13
Trump floats sending Tesla attackers to El Salvador prisons as White House rallies to defend Musk

Tesla and SpaceX boss Elon Musk, the world's richest man, donated more than $250 million toward President Donald Trump's successful presidential campaign.
CNBC - 2d
How a Government Shutdown Would Help Elon Musk

On this special episode of Uncanny Valley, we unpack Elon Musk's desire for a government shutdown that could become permanent. Plus: An update on measles misinformation in the US.
Wired - Mar. 12
Musk, Rubio clashed in front of Trump during Cabinet meeting: Sources

During a charged Cabinet meeting Thursday at the White House, Elon Musk clashed with top Cabinet officials, sources told ABC News
ABC News - Mar. 7
Elon Musk Returns to His Trump Playbook in a Big Wisconsin Race

The billionaire, now a White House official and no longer a private citizen, is spending millions of dollars to elect a conservative judge, and making himself a main character in the race.
The New York Times - 1d
Elon Musk Has Wanted the Government Shutdown

Sources tell WIRED that Elon Musk has wanted a government shutdown in part because it would potentially make it easier to eliminate the jobs of hundreds of thousands of federal workers.
Wired - Mar. 11
'Buy Tesla,' Commerce chief Lutnick urges as Musk leads DOGE for Trump administration

President Trump last week opened the White House lawn to become a Tesla showroom, with Elon Musk showing him a Cybertruck and other electric vehicles.
CNBC - 3d
Elon Musk could be a bridge between the U.S. and China — but for which country’s benefit?

Tech billionaire Elon Musk’s financial interests in China have raised concern that they could influence his work as a senior adviser to President Donald Trump.
NBC News - Mar. 16
Trump's legal fights and Elon Musk's business overlap: From the Politics Desk

Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the ...
NBC News - 1d
60 percent of voters unhappy with DOGE handling of federal workers: Poll

A majority of voters are unhappy with the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) handling of federal workers, according to a new poll. When asked about “the way Elon Musk and DOGE are dealing ...
The Hill - Mar. 14
Musk PAC offering $100 for Wisconsin petition signatures opposing 'activist judges'

Tech billionaire and White House adviser Elon Musk is giving away $100 to registered voters in Wisconsin to sign a petition against "activist judges" and flip the state Supreme Court seat.
The Hill - 2d
Tesla shares have declined every week since Elon Musk went to Washington

Tesla's stock has dropped for seven straight weeks, a stretch that dates back to the beginning of Donald Trump's second term in the White House.
CNBC - Mar. 8
Voters boo Nebraska Republican over Musk, Ukraine, Trump tariffs during raucous town hall

Rep. Mike Flood’s (R-Neb.) town hall turned raucous Tuesday night as he fielded questions from voters about Elon Musk, President Trump’s tariffs, the White House’s posture towards Ukraine and more, ...
The Hill - 4d
How Elon Musk's Trump support could hurt — or help — Tesla

Elon Musk is both the CEO of the largest U.S. EV maker and the right-hand-man to President Donald Trump. Bears say it's a disaster for Tesla, bulls say a boon.
CNBC - Mar. 11

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GOP senator says it’s not honest to say ‘we’re not going to touch’ Social Security

Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) says he believes conversations need to happen around changes to Social Security as Elon Musk suggests cuts to entitlements.
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Schumer says he’s ‘not stepping down’ despite Democratic pressures

In an exclusive interview with Meet the Press, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) says he will not step down as the leader of his caucus despite growing concerns from his party after he supported a ...
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Trump allies press the White House to dial back Elon Musk's media interviews over his Social Security jabs

Trump allies have pressed the White House to dial back Elon Musk's media interviews, worried about his criticisms of Social Security.
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Trump hints at 'flexibility' for China even as he plows ahead with global tariff plans

Markets whipsawed further Friday in response to President Donald Trump’s latest comments on tariffs, with stocks briefly turning higher after he hinted that there may be “flexibility” in his plan ...
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney calls for snap election amid trade war with U.S.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for a snap election amid a festering trade war and annexation threats from U.S.
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