White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Monday that billionaire entrepreneur and Trump ally Elon Musk has been appointed as a special government employee. However, she was unable to provide details about whether Musk has obtained a security clearance or passed a formal background check—an issue that has drawn increasing scrutiny from the media.
During the White House press briefing, CNN Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins questioned Leavitt on Musk’s role and access to sensitive information.
“Can you confirm that Elon Musk is a special government employee?” Collins asked. “And what kind of security clearance does he have?”
“I can confirm he’s a special government employee,” Leavitt responded. “I can also confirm that he has abided by all applicable federal laws. As for his security clearance, I’m not sure, but I can check back with you.”
Collins pressed further, asking whether Musk had passed a background check. Leavitt responded that she did not have that information but would follow up.
When asked whether anyone on Musk’s team had received security clearance, the press secretary again said she did not know but would seek clarification.
Musk’s Role in Government and Space Operations
CNN reported Monday that Musk’s designation as a “special government employee” means he is not a full-time federal worker, but is also not considered a volunteer. According to an unnamed source cited by the outlet, Musk has allegedly been granted a top-secret security clearance, though this remains unconfirmed by official sources.
Musk’s role in the Trump administration has grown more visible in recent months. He currently leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency introduced by President Trump to streamline federal bureaucracy. Initially, Musk was slated to co-lead the department alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who has since exited the role to run for governor of Ohio.
Controversy Over Astronaut Rescue Mission
Beyond government operations, Musk has made headlines for his involvement in a high-profile space mission. In January, he pledged to help bring home two U.S. astronauts stranded aboard the International Space Station—Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams—who had originally launched aboard Boeing’s troubled Starliner capsule last June.
Their weeklong mission turned into an eight-month delay after NASA deemed the Boeing spacecraft unsafe for return due to helium leaks and thruster malfunctions. Musk criticized the Biden administration for failing to resolve the situation sooner.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk stated: “The @POTUS has asked @SpaceX to bring home the 2 astronauts stranded on the @SpaceStation as soon as possible. We will do so. Terrible that the Biden administration left them there so long.”
NASA had originally planned for the pair to return to Earth in February via a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, but the mission has since been postponed to March or early April. Delays were reportedly due to coordination around the launch of a replacement crew, which must arrive before Wilmore and Williams can depart, ensuring continuous coverage on the station.
SpaceX’s capsule is currently in orbit, and NASA prefers crew overlap during transitions to ensure mission stability.
Legal and Security Concerns Surround Musk’s Role
Musk’s growing influence in both public and private sectors has raised questions about legal and procedural oversight. During a previous appearance on CNN, attorney and guest analyst Arthur Aidala argued that Musk’s achievements in space exploration should exempt him from standard government background checks.
“He got us into space. He got us to the moon,” Aidala said, defending Musk’s involvement in government affairs.
Still, questions linger about Musk’s access to classified information and whether all federal guidelines were followed in his appointment. As of now, the White House has not confirmed whether Musk—or anyone on his team—has officially passed a background investigation or been granted security clearance.
Musk’s Influence in the Trump Administration
President Donald Trump announced Musk’s appointment to the Department of Government Efficiency on Truth Social in November, stating: “I am pleased to announce that the Great Elon Musk, working in conjunction with American Patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).”
Both Musk and Ramaswamy have been outspoken advocates for reducing the size and power of the federal government—a key theme during Trump’s 2024 campaign.
