US agencies monitor foreign visitors to Elon Musk
US Homeland Security and Justice Department track foreign nationals visiting Musk’s properties in 2022 and 2023 amid concerns over national security
ISTANBUL
US agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department, tracked foreign nationals visiting billionaire Elon Musk’s properties in 2022 and 2023, sources said, according to the Wall Street Journal's report on Tuesday.
The probe focused on visitors from Eastern Europe and other regions over concerns that they may have been trying to influence Musk, who until last week was a close adviser to US President Donald Trump.
The investigation, which began before the current Trump administration, did not lead to charges and its status remains unclear. Agencies, including the FBI, were briefed on the matter.
It reflected growing concerns over the number of foreign nationals around Musk, who leads five companies -- such as SpaceX -- with sensitive government ties and high-level access in Washington.
Officials said they were unaware of any past investigation. Trump returned to office in January after a comeback campaign heavily backed by over $250 million from a Musk-funded super PAC (political action committee).
Musk, a South Africa-born US citizen, initially held a key budget-cutting role in the new administration, but his relationship with Trump collapsed last week amid a public exchange of insults.
Despite their recent collaboration, tensions grew over Musk’s ties to foreign nationals.
Staff at his pro-Trump super PAC raised concerns about the number of foreigners accompanying him to meetings and events, according to two people familiar with the group.
An official at America PAC said they implemented strict vetting to prevent foreign involvement. Two campaign staffers also expressed concerns about Musk’s circle of foreign nationals.
According to an October report by The Wall Street Journal, Musk has been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022.
Due to his connections with foreign nationals, SpaceX lawyers advised him against pursuing a higher security clearance, fearing it could be revoked.
As the CEO of SpaceX, founded in 2002, Musk holds top-secret clearance that grants him access to national security information.
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