Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth Meets Elon Musk to Discuss Cutting-Edge AI Initiatives for National Defense

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth meets Elon Musk and xAI team at the Pentagon to explore AI integration in national defense. Read more on their second high-level discussion on defense innovation.

Washington D.C., May 21, 2025 – In a significant move towards advancing U.S. defense capabilities, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hosted billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk at the Pentagon on Wednesday to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential role in strengthening national security.

The meeting marks Musk’s second known visit to the Pentagon, signaling a deepening relationship between the Department of Defense and the private sector on AI-driven defense solutions.

A High-Profile Meeting on AI and National Security

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the meeting in an official statement, saying,

“The Secretary met with Elon Musk and other members of the xAI team this morning.”

Parnell further emphasized the Pentagon’s forward-looking strategy, adding,

“The Department of Defense is committed to engaging with AI industry CEOs to ensure our warfighters are equipped to face 21st-century threats.”

This latest engagement demonstrates the Pentagon’s ongoing interest in harnessing cutting-edge AI to improve military efficiency, innovation, and strategic capabilities.

A Rare Glimpse Behind the Scenes

Interestingly, Brooks Potteiger, Hegseth’s pastor, also hinted at the high-level meeting earlier in the day. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:

“It’s not every day you walk past Elon Musk en route to preach.”

Potteiger had been speaking at a Christian prayer service at the Pentagon, coinciding with Musk’s visit, offering a unique juxtaposition of faith and future tech under one roof.

Their First Meeting Was in March

According to defense officials, the first meeting between Pete Hegseth and Elon Musk took place in March 2025. That meeting, described by the Department of Defense as “personal,” lasted about an hour and was held privately in the Secretary’s office.

Sources say the discussion revolved around themes of innovation, operational efficiency, and smarter production methodologies—areas where Musk’s experience in companies like SpaceX, Tesla, and xAI could offer transformative insights for the U.S. military.

Musk’s Growing Role in U.S. Defense Innovation

Elon Musk has increasingly emerged as a key figure in the evolving landscape of defense technology. From satellite-based communications via Starlink to autonomous systems and now AI through xAI, Musk’s ventures are becoming integral to national defense strategies.

His second visit to the Pentagon reflects growing trust and collaboration between the U.S. government and the private tech sector, especially in areas where innovation is essential for national security.

As global threats become more sophisticated, collaborations like the one between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Elon Musk represent a strategic pivot toward future-ready defense mechanisms. With AI positioned at the heart of modern warfare and security, the Pentagon’s engagement with tech pioneers like Musk could play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of U.S. defense systems.

Stay tuned for more updates on how AI is transforming national security at the highest levels.