Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been involved in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising concerns among U.S. officials.
Musk's business dealings with Russia date back several years and include attempts to acquire intercontinental ballistic missiles. SpaceX has collaborated with NASA and Roscosmos, the Russian space agency. Musk's Tesla has established supply chain connections with Russia, including purchasing aluminum from Rusal, a company founded by sanctioned oligarch Oleg Deripaska.
These discussions covered various topics, including business interests and geopolitical matters. One controversial request from Putin was for Musk to restrict the use of SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service in Taiwan as a favor to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Musk's political affiliations, including his support for Republican campaigns, have raised speculation about potential roles he could play in a future administration.
Concerns have been raised about the nature of Musk's communications with Putin and their potential impact on Starlink's operations. Despite controversies, Musk continues to navigate the complex landscape of global politics and business. The implications of his actions and decisions will continue to resonate across the tech and political landscapes, raising questions about the role of private sector leaders in shaping geopolitical narratives.