The New York Times reported Musk would receive a briefing on plans for any potential war with China. The president and defense secretary said the meeting was about DOGE.

Planning for a war with China has dominated Pentagon thinking for decades, well before a possible confrontation with Beijing became more conventional wisdom on Capitol Hill. The United States has built its Air Forces, Navy and Space Forces — and even more recently its Marines and Army forces — with a possible fight against China in mind.

Elon Musk is set to be briefed by the Pentagon on military plans regarding a potential war with China, according to an NYT report. This would mark an expansion of his advisory role to US President Donald Trump and raises concerns over conflicts of interest due to his business ties with China.