The ask was reportedly a favor for Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Musk has a security clearance and access to some of America’s most classified space programs.
Musk jokingly acknowledged his security status at a recent campaign event in Pennsylvania.
Musk has humorously responded to the news story on X but hasn’t denied the claims.
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The revelations have prompted calls for investigation from some quarters.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson responded to the story at the Semafor World Economy Summit.
White House officials have acknowledged the story but have not commented or confirmed its veracity.
Musk’s fascination with Russia dates back to the early days of his space ventures.
In 2002, he traveled to Moscow in an attempt to purchase rockets for his fledgling space program.
He failed to terminate the deal, but the trip began Musk’s engagement with Russian space technology.
In recent years, Musk has increasingly become involved in geopolitical matters.
He has met with various leaders, including Argentina’s Javier Milei and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
He also showed strong support for Ukraine after the Russian invasion in 2022.
Initially, he donated Starlink terminals to provide internet access in areas affected by Russian attacks.
This change in position coincided with reported pressure from the Kremlin.
Musk stated that he has no knowledge of terminals being sold directly or indirectly to Russia.
He maintains that his companies have done more to undermine Russia than support it.
However, the nature and extent of his communications with Putin have become a subject of debate and concern.
