Musk’s ongoing dialogue with Putin sparks concerns in Washington

American tech billionaire Elon Musk has reportedly been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal on Thursday. The discussions have reportedly touched on personal matters, business interests, and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The conversations between Musk and Putin were confirmed by multiple current and former officials from the United States, Europe, and Russia, according to the report. One significant revelation from the sources familiar with the talks was that Putin had requested Musk refrain from activating his Starlink satellite internet service over Taiwan, a favor on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Musk, who has played an increasingly visible role in political affairs, has also become a key supporter of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s 2024 election campaign. Should Trump be reelected, Musk could potentially play a role in a future administration, raising questions about how his connections with global leaders might influence U.S. policy.

The reported discussions have sparked concerns within the Biden administration, given Putin’s status as a key U.S. adversary. National security experts are worried about Musk’s ongoing dialogue with the Russian leader, especially as the U.S. and its allies have sought to isolate Putin amid the war in Ukraine. Musk’s relationship with Trump, who has expressed interest in negotiating a resolution to the Ukraine conflict, could further complicate diplomatic efforts in the coming years.

Additionally, Musk’s deep ties with U.S. military and intelligence agencies have intensified scrutiny. His company, SpaceX, holds contracts with the U.S. government, giving him access to some of the nation’s most sensitive space programs. The nature of Musk’s communications with the Kremlin remains a closely guarded issue, with some White House officials reportedly unaware of the talks.