Elon Musk’s drug use and Putin ties has stopped SpaceX to avoid asking for higher security clearance: report

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Executives working for Elon Musk have been advised not to seek a higher security clearance for him due to concerns about his drug use and contact with foreign nationals, according to reports. Lawyers at Musk's rocket launch company SpaceX had warned senior executives that applying to upgrade his access would force him to answer awkward questions and even put his existing clearance at risk, The Wall Street Journal reported. According to the Journal, SpaceX's lawyers told executives that applying for a higher clearance would force Musk to answer questions about his contact with foreign nationals and his drug use, since US officials would be worried he might inadvertently disclose secrets during such conversations. Musk's current clearance reportedly prevents him from being informed about SpaceX's Starshield spy satellite program, which grew out of its Starlink satellite communications network and is available only to national security agencies.