Ilon Musk and SpaceX to be probed on suspicion of violating secrecy

American entrepreneur Ilon Musk and his company SpaceX have faced inspections by the US authorities because of suspected violations of federal protocols for reporting on the protection of state secrets. The New York Times reported on December 17.

"The concerns have prompted at least three federal inspections, according to eight sources. The Defense Department's Office of Inspector General began a review of the matter this year, and the Air Force and the Pentagon's Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security separately initiated reviews last month," the publication said.

It is specified that Musk's access to state secrets is conditioned by his position at SpaceX. According to the rules, his level of access implies regular reports to the U.S. Department of Defense with details of his international travels, as well as his private life. However, the newspaper's interlocutors noted, Musk has not filed such reports since at least 2021.

"It remains to be seen whether the federal inspections will affect Musk or SpaceX. Some of the SpaceX employees who complained [about Musk's behavior] have been fired or forced out of their positions. <...> Two Defense Department officials said senior Pentagon leaders had instructed them to avoid discussing the issue so they would not become targets for Musk," the publication concluded.

Earlier, on December 15, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Musk 's denial of access to classified SpaceX data. According to WSJ, SpaceX lawyers urged top management to keep the billionaire out of classified data to avoid government questions about his drug use and his contacts with foreign nationals.