Biden administration officials are reportedly considering whether to review if Elon Musk’s business deals present a threat to national security.
The officials are in the early stages of reviewing Musk’s offer of Starlink internet service to Ukraine and his acquisition of Twitter, according to Bloomberg. They are primarily concerned with Musk’s recent threat to stop providing Starlink service to Ukraine after his remarks regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as his intentions to purchase Twitter with the assistance of foreign bidders.
While officials have not identified any specific tools for these reviews, one option being considered is asking the Treasury Department’s Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to review Musk’s business dealings for national security risks.
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While CFIUS is primarily used to review acquisitions of U.S. companies by foreign entities, it is possible that the involvement of foreign funders, such as Prince Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia, could spark a review.
The Treasury Department declined to comment on the claim, noting that CFIUS doesn’t publicly comment on any transactions that may or may not be under review.
Musk made news last week when he threatened to stop providing free Starlink access to the Ukrainian military due to it not making a profit there. He rescinded the threat later that week, stating that he would uphold the offer despite the country receiving billions in funding from governments and Starlink continuing not to make a profit.
Musk also earned the ire of some for proposing a compromise between Russia and Ukraine. Musk’s compromise was quickly attacked on social media, with several Ukraine allies calling it a terrible idea. He’s also expressed support for certain Russian officials. He complimented Security Council leader Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday after the Putin ally slammed U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss post-resignation.
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The billionaire attracted attention on Thursday over allegations that he intended to lay off most of Twitter’s staff. Musk is expected to cut 75% of its staff in the next few months, according to documents reviewed by the Washington Post. Federal authorities were also investigating Twitter in early October for unknown reasons.
