Pentagon launches investigation into leaks following Musk's visit
What's the story
The Pentagon has launched an investigation, including polygraph tests, to find leakers within its ranks.
The move comes after Elon Musk called for prosecution of Defense Department officials for allegedly spreading "maliciously false information" about his dealings with the military.
Joe Kasper, Chief of Staff for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has also urged a probe into unauthorized disclosures related to national security.
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Musk's Pentagon visit sparks controversy over potential leak
Musk, who has lucrative defense contracts, visited the Pentagon on Friday to discuss cutting costs and innovation.
However, the visit was overshadowed by an NYT report that he would be given a top-secret briefing on US military strategies regarding China.
Citing unidentified US officials, the report was soon denied by President Trump and Hegseth.
Denial
Musk denies involvement in top-secret briefing
Musk denied receiving a top-secret briefing, saying he has top-secret security clearance because of SpaceX and as a Trump adviser.
That doesn't give him free access to all classified material; he can only access what he has a "need to know" for.
Before visiting the Pentagon, Musk said he was looking forward to the prosecution of those leaking false info.
Propaganda
Musk criticizes New York Times report as propaganda
Before meeting Hegseth, Musk slammed the New York Times report which claimed he would be briefed on classified war plans regarding China.
He called the story "pure propaganda" and promised to sue those who leaked "maliciously false information."
"There was no war plans, no Chinese war plans. There was no secret plans," Reuters quoted Hegseth as saying, standing next to Trump.
Conflict concerns
Concerns over potential conflict of interest
The NYT report has highlighted worries over Musk's conflicts of interest, especially considering his large business presence in China through Tesla, SpaceX, and others.
Trump alluded to these fears, saying Musk's connections with China could be a security risk if the latter shared sensitive military information with him.
This comes amid questioning over Musk's influence over federal spending and his companies' financial gains from Pentagon contracts.