You might think being one of the world’s richest and most influential tech moguls would come with perks — but it also attracts a lot of intense scrutiny.
Recent reports reveal that Elon Musk was quietly monitored by multiple U.S. government agencies over fears about his ties to foreign nationals.
This surveillance reportedly happened during 2022 and 2023, when Musk was ramping up his political influence and business empire.
Who Was Watching and Why
The agencies involved included Homeland Security and the Justice Department.
They weren’t just casually checking in; they were particularly focused on the foreign nationals visiting Musk’s properties.
According to insiders who spoke with the Wall Street Journal, the main concern was whether Musk was being influenced by foreign powers — especially those in Eastern Europe and beyond.
Even though these investigations never led to charges, they raised serious eyebrows within the government.
Foreign Nationals and Musk’s Inner Circle
Musk’s growing influence in the U.S., combined with the number of foreign individuals around him, sparked unease.
This was especially true before Musk publicly threw his support behind Donald Trump.
Last year, Musk made waves by donating over $250 million to Trump’s campaign via a super PAC called America PAC, an amount that turned heads for its sheer scale in the 2024 election.
Tensions Within the America PAC
But even after Musk aligned himself with Trump, concerns about his foreign connections didn’t disappear.
Staffers within the America PAC grew uneasy about the frequency with which Musk brought foreign nationals into sensitive meetings.
Some insiders mentioned that his constant travel with outsiders forced the PAC to implement thorough vetting processes to keep Musk’s personal activities separate from official campaign work.
They were worried about the potential influence these individuals might have.
Musk’s Complex Business and Political Web
Musk, originally from South Africa and now a naturalized U.S. citizen, heads companies like SpaceX that have numerous sensitive government contracts.
This alone puts him under a microscope.
Notably, last week Trump threatened to cut ties with SpaceX during a public fallout, illustrating how volatile Musk’s political and business relationships can be.
Limited Comments and Official Responses
When approached, Musk declined to comment on the investigation, and the White House directed questions to Homeland Security.
As of now, the Department of Homeland Security has not responded to requests for comment.
Multiple agencies, including the FBI, were reportedly briefed on the investigations, but details about the current status remain unclear.
Investigations Predate Trump Support
It’s important to note that these probes began before Musk’s political pivot toward Trump, highlighting long-standing worries about conflicts between his numerous business ventures and his growing access to political power.
Security Concerns in Trump’s Circle
Even while Musk was gaining favor with Trump, insiders in the former president’s camp expressed concern about the presence of foreign nationals around Musk.
Some campaign staffers reportedly questioned how many foreigners were involved in Musk’s inner circle during the 2024 campaign.
Restrictions on Military Briefings
Earlier this year, worries about Musk’s business dealings also prompted Trump to block him from receiving a top-secret military briefing concerning war strategies with China.
This was a rare move that reflected the level of caution surrounding Musk’s access to sensitive information.
High-Level Security Clearances and International Ties
Musk holds high-level security clearances, mainly through his work with SpaceX, which partners with space programs worldwide.
However, his reported communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin have drawn scrutiny, especially amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Controversies Surrounding Starlink
Last year, it was revealed that Putin asked Musk to disable Starlink internet services in Taiwan as a favor to China.
Additionally, Russian forces reportedly purchased Starlink terminals to aid their attacks in Ukraine, adding another layer of complexity to Musk’s international dealings.