Dear John
There are a few things President Biden can do to improve national security prior to Trump’s takeover of the whole apparatus in January.
One of these things is to review -- and revoke -- Elon Musk’s security clearance.
Why is this important, given Trump’s expressed intent to give the erratic Musk a highly sensitive and influential position in the government? Trump has said he will name Musk and former GOP pseudo-rival Vivek Ramaswamy to head up a new “Department of Government Efficiency,” or DOGE -- named after Dogecoin, which Musk has called his “fav cryptocurrency.”
In this position, ostensibly to root out government “inefficiency,” Musk will spearhead Trump’s plans to cut vital governmental functions and services. Giving the world’s largest pair of scissors to the world’s richest man, whose SpaceX and Starlink companies already have billions of dollars in defense contracts, creates unprecedented risks for national security.
Given that Musk has already threatened to use his Starlink satellites to cut off all battlefield communications across Ukraine, and that he has also admitted to having multiple phone calls with Vladimir Putin as a private citizen, Musk has already proven himself dangerous and unreliable in the national security sphere.
Tell President Biden to protect national security immediately by revoking Elon Musk's security clearance now!
Revoking Musk’s security clearance now, even though the incoming president has announced his intentions already, would have two very desirable outcomes. Not only would it prevent Musk from the misuse of classified information in the present moment, but it would create barriers that could slow down the reinstatement of his clearance in a Trump administration.
Putting roadblocks like these in place, despite the possible likelihood of being overturned, can contribute to the faltering of unwise or unpopular plans, especially as they will raise questions among moderate Republicans in Congress who may be uncertain about confirming Musk’s appointment in the first place.
Among the risks Musk poses for national security, he could be careless (as Trump has himself) with classified information; he could expose himself to blackmail; and he could make poor judgments based on political grudges or private associations with foreign dictators.
Musk has previously shown himself unable to manage confidential information, as he was fined $20 million for sharing inside information on taking Tesla private. In this case, he had to agree to have his posts reviewed by a Tesla lawyer. How much worse would such a situation be if it involved classified information essential to national security?
Trump has given Musk a highly influential role in the transition process, helping determine policy and hiring decisions. This is on top of using his massive wealth and ownership of “X” to spread disinformation in support of Trump’s election.
Disqualifying factors for security clearance include several red flags Musk has already displayed: the use of illegal drugs, financial problems, and having direct contacts with Valdimir Putin as a private citizen.
Clearly President Biden has strong reasons for revoking Elon Musk’s security clearance immediately. Sign on now to urge the president to take this action, creating a speedbump for the dangerous plans of the incoming administration.
Thank you for alerting President Biden to the need to take this action to protect our national security.
- DFA AF Team
|