Elon Musk did not have access to state secrets due to drugs and contacts with Putin – WSJ

According to them, senior management did not ask Musk for a higher level of access to state secrets on the recommendation of SpaceX lawyers. They warned that the billionaire could lose his current authorization if he is forced to answer questions about contacts with foreigners and drug use.

In January 2024, WSJ sources claimed that Musk attended private parties where he used LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms. In October, the publication reported that the billionaire has been in regular contact with Putin since the end of 2022, with whom he discusses personal, business and geopolitical issues.

Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the WSJ information false and noted that Putin only had one phone conversation with Musk before 2022, during which they “compared the areas of technological development that Musk considers promising.”

Now the head of SpaceX has Top Secret clearance, which gives him access to some national security secrets, but he does not have the special permissions that employees of space companies need to work on secret programs, writes WSJ. Because of this, Musk does not have access to some information about SpaceX’s Starshield spy satellite program. The billionaire is also not allowed to visit most of the company facilities where secret work is carried out and discussed.

The publication noted that the situation may change with Donald Trump coming to power. The politician has already chosen a position for Musk: he will head the Department of State Efficiency. According to the WSJ, Trump is also looking for a location for a secure facility where Musk and other department officials can view classified data.