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Business InsiderOct 23
Report: Elon Musk in Regular Contact With Putin Since 2022
Above: SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk speaks at a town hall event at the Roxain Theater on Oct. 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Image copyright: Michael Swensen/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Elon Musk has been in contact with Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin since late 2022, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal published on Thursday.
Citing former and current US officials, as well as officials in Europe and Russia, the pair reportedly discussed personal matters, business, and geopolitical issues.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The contact between Musk and Putin raises some serious national security questions given how closely tied Musk's businesses are tied to the US military and intelligence community. However, the US government's arms are somewhat tied because of how heavily they rely on his technologies.
Establishment-critical narrative
Irrespective of how reliant the US is on Musk's technologies, it's unacceptable that he maintains his contracts and security clearances given that he's cozying up to one of America's biggest nemesis. Not only that, Musk should face legal ramifications as well.