US President Donald Trump on Thursday refuted a report by The New York Times, claiming that Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chief Elon Musk will reportedly gain access to the Pentagon‘s top-secret China war plans.
The report referenced an unnamed official who indicated the briefing would concentrate on China-related matters.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to counter these claims directly.
“The Fake News is at it again, this time the Failing New York Times. They said, incorrectly, that Elon Musk is going to the Pentagon tomorrow to be briefed on any potential “war with China.” How ridiculous?” China will not even be mentioned or discussed,” Trump wrote.
He further stated: “How disgraceful it is that the discredited media can make up such lies. Anyway, the story is completely untrue!!!”
What NYT report claimed?
According to the New York Times, the Pentagon will give a top-secret briefing to Musk on Friday for the China war plan. The classified China briefing consists of approximately 20-30 slides outlining US military strategy.
The presentation covers threat assessment indicators and various options for engaging Chinese targets, which would require Presidential approval, according to knowledgeable officials.
“The defence department is excited to welcome Elon Musk to the Pentagon on Friday. He was invited by secretary Hegseth and is just visiting,” Sean Parnell, chief defence department spokesperson, said.
The briefing team includes Hegseth, acting Joint Chiefs Chair Admiral Christopher W. Grady, and Indo-Pacific Command head Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, who will present US strategy details regarding potential military conflict with China.
Pentagon war plans, known in military jargon as O-plans or operational plans, are among the military’s most closely guarded secrets, the report stated.
