Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York raised concerns about Musk visiting the Pentagon, amid reports he'd receive information on a conflict with China. (Fox News - Paul Steinhauser)
Hinojosa said that during her time at the Justice Department, career officials would sound the alarm if they became aware of any unethical behavior at the agency.
"That is exactly what is happening here," Hinojosa said.
Hinojosa could not be reached for comment by Fox News Digital.
The New York Times published a story Thursday evening claiming that Musk’s visit to the Pentagon would involve discussing plans in the event of a potential war with China. Specifically, the Times reported that the briefing involved a presentation with 20 to 30 slides on how the U.S. would combat China, various Chinese targets to strike and how the Pentagon would share these plans with Trump.
The Times also reported the meeting would occur in the so-called Tank, a secure conference room that the Joint Chiefs utilize for meetings, along with other senior staff and visiting combatant commanders.
Meanwhile, the Times report also noted that Musk may have needed to know information about plans for China as he eyes cutting the Pentagon’s budget amid his efforts leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
TRUMP GOES ON ‘UNPRECEDENTED’ PENTAGON FIRING SPREE: REPORT
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell pushed back on the New York Times' report about Elon Musk receiving insight into a war with China. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Pentagon war plans are highly confidential for operational security purposes. Should details regarding the U.S. military’s strategy to combat an enemy be shared or leaked in any way, it would jeopardize U.S. forces and undermine the success of the military campaign.
Hegseth also weighed in on the matter, and said the meeting with Musk would primarily center around innovation.
"But the fake news delivers again — this is NOT a meeting about ‘top secret China war plans.’ It’s an informal meeting about innovation, efficiencies & smarter production. Gonna be great!" Hegseth said in a post on X late Thursday evening.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
In response to Hegseth’s post, Musk responded: "Exactly. Also, I’ve been to the Pentagon many times over many years. Not my first time in the building."
Musk also said in a separate post he looks "forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NYT.
"They will be found," he said.
The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Diana Stancy is a politics reporter with Fox News Digital covering the White House.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/musk-has-no-business-pentagon-dems-say-amid-report-hed-get-top-secret-china-briefing